Transformation of the Former Girls’ School Into an Open and Versatile Hall | 2024

The project to requalify the former girls’ school in Plouyé, initially slated for demolition to make way for a multipurpose hall, proposes an alternative: to rehabilitate it into a cultural hall. The old school, disused for several years, seemed doomed to destruction, tarnishing the image of the town center. However, another vision emerged: to preserve and transform this building into a cultural venue, while respecting its simplicity and architectural heritage.

This building, with its discreet and rational architecture, bears witness to the craftsmanship of local artisans. It is a rare piece of heritage in rural communities. We chose to preserve its essence: the stone, the timber frame, and the large openings. By stripping the building down, we sought to reveal the beauty of its original architecture, while adapting it to contemporary uses. Inspired by approaches such as those of Tadashi Kawamata, Claude Lévêque, and Gilles Clément, we aimed to open the building to its surroundings, thus creating a bridge between the past and the present.

This project is a reasoned response to the tendency to demolish old structures. Rather than giving in to the temptation of new construction, we opted for a respectful rehabilitation, valuing the energy invested in the building. It represents a preservationist approach, inviting us to rethink how we transform our spaces without destroying them. It shows that it is possible to give new life to a building, even when it seems aged and neglected.

The transformation of the former school into a cultural hall was designed to offer a flexible space capable of hosting various events. The interior partitions and floors were removed to free up a large volume, while keeping the structural walls to ensure the stability of the building. These walls divide the space into alcoves, allowing for varied uses while preserving the integrity of the structure.

Natural light plays a central role in the project. We took care not to alter the façades, replacing the windows with single-glazed bays to maximize the entry of light. Doors not intended for circulation were also glazed to illuminate the interior. The ground-floor windows were designed without frames, fixed directly into the masonry embrasures, simplifying the façades.

Main access points are through the existing doors, oriented from north to south. Some were modified with fixed glazing to protect the interior from the elements, while ensuring smooth circulation. On the south façade, certain doors were left open to facilitate evacuation in case of fire. The east gable, more functional, allows for the entry of vehicles and necessary equipment, while the west gable, highlighted from the main road, marks the entrance to the hall and blends harmoniously with the landscape.

This project embodies a vision of adapting heritage to contemporary needs. It creates a space capable of hosting new uses while preserving the identity of the territory. A fusion of modernity and tradition, it embodies a poetic and reasoned approach, respectful of the past while projecting into the future. It demonstrates that it is possible to rethink the transformation of our communities by intelligently reusing old buildings, giving them a new life.

Category:Mixed Use BuildingsLocation:Plouyé, FranceArchitect: Simon Masson, FranceDesign Team: BRA (Simon Masson, Timothée Chateau)Photographer: BRA (Simon Masson, Timothée Chateau)