The National Navy Buildings are currently threatened by a renewal project of the Defense Ministry. Indeed, a demolition authorization has been asked, without any preliminary expertise, and even though this is a significant patrimonial legacy of the 20th century. This valuable architectural ensemble, that holds a special place in Perret's work, represents a decisive stage in the elaboration of the "Ordre du béton armé". For John Summerson, this ornament free concrete building was thought in terms of orders; it has as much expression, rhythm and variety as the Garnier Opera, even if there is no moldings or sculptures. For Peter Collins, the care granted to the composition, the proportions, the game of light and shadow, reveals something deeper than an intelligent amelioration of essen-tial architectonic elements. Industrial architecture reaches here the highest degree of Art. The loss of the National Navy Buildings would deprive us of an essential link for the comprehension of Perret's heritage, which already suffered from the destruction of Ponthieu garage (1906) and Esders workshops (1919), and the severe mutilations of Amiens Station Square. Therefore, the National Navy Buildings must be saved and protected, as a totality. Today, only the Administrative Building, listed in the patrimonial Inventory, remains into the renewal project while the other buildings are demolished. We cannot accept any dismantling of this harmonious work, which would necessarily discredit the 20th century patrimonial protection policy held by Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
HALT TO THE DEMOLITION OF ONE OF THE PERRET BROTHERS' MAJOR WORKS.
I have spent the last few days meeting with architectural historians to document the parts of this site that the ministry hopes we will overlook. It is exhausting to fight for this concrete legacy when the authorities refuse to acknowledge the artistic value of the entire complex. Please know that I am reading every single story you share about why these buildings matter to your view of our history.
November 2, 2009
The momentum behind this effort has moved beyond what I ever imagined possible for these historic buildings. Seeing this many people recognize the architectural genius of Perret gives me true hope that we can prevent this irreplaceable loss.
Reached 100 supporters
November 2, 2009
6 Comments
T
Thomas Pearce
16 years ago
Featured
Save the site. Perret built this for a reason and we have to keep it intact.
M
Marc Moore
16 years ago
Featured
These buildings are historical treasures. tearing them down is a huge mistake for the culture of the city
L
Lucie Collins
16 years ago
Featured
why do they always want to demolish everything beautiful in the 15th? keep it preserved.
J
Julien Newman
16 years ago
Featured
Stop destroying our architecture just to build boring glass offices. Perret deserves better than this.
S
Sophie Norton
16 years ago
Featured
Ridiculous. Paris is losing its soul one building at a time. Leave these alone.
C
Claire Tran
16 years ago
Featured
TOTAL SHAME. Once its gone it is gone forever. Think about the heritage instead of just money!
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The National Navy Buildings are currently threatened by a renewal project of the Defense Ministry. Indeed, a demolition authorization has been asked, without any preliminary expertise, and even though this is a significant patrimonial legacy of the 20th century. This valuable architectural ensemble, that holds a special place in Perret's work, represents a decisive stage in the elaboration of the "Ordre du béton armé". For John Summerson, this ornament free concrete building was thought in terms of orders; it has as much expression, rhythm and variety as the Garnier Opera, even if there is no moldings or sculptures. For Peter Collins, the care granted to the composition, the proportions, the game of light and shadow, reveals something deeper than an intelligent amelioration of essen-tial architectonic elements. Industrial architecture reaches here the highest degree of Art. The loss of the National Navy Buildings would deprive us of an essential link for the comprehension of Perret's heritage, which already suffered from the destruction of Ponthieu garage (1906) and Esders workshops (1919), and the severe mutilations of Amiens Station Square. Therefore, the National Navy Buildings must be saved and protected, as a totality. Today, only the Administrative Building, listed in the patrimonial Inventory, remains into the renewal project while the other buildings are demolished. We cannot accept any dismantling of this harmonious work, which would necessarily discredit the 20th century patrimonial protection policy held by Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
HALT TO THE DEMOLITION OF ONE OF THE PERRET BROTHERS' MAJOR WORKS.
I have spent the last few days meeting with architectural historians to document the parts of this site that the ministry hopes we will overlook. It is exhausting to fight for this concrete legacy when the authorities refuse to acknowledge the artistic value of the entire complex. Please know that I am reading every single story you share about why these buildings matter to your view of our history.
November 2, 2009
The momentum behind this effort has moved beyond what I ever imagined possible for these historic buildings. Seeing this many people recognize the architectural genius of Perret gives me true hope that we can prevent this irreplaceable loss.
Reached 100 supporters
November 2, 2009
6 Comments
T
Thomas Pearce
16 years ago
Featured
Save the site. Perret built this for a reason and we have to keep it intact.
M
Marc Moore
16 years ago
Featured
These buildings are historical treasures. tearing them down is a huge mistake for the culture of the city
L
Lucie Collins
16 years ago
Featured
why do they always want to demolish everything beautiful in the 15th? keep it preserved.
J
Julien Newman
16 years ago
Featured
Stop destroying our architecture just to build boring glass offices. Perret deserves better than this.
S
Sophie Norton
16 years ago
Featured
Ridiculous. Paris is losing its soul one building at a time. Leave these alone.
C
Claire Tran
16 years ago
Featured
TOTAL SHAME. Once its gone it is gone forever. Think about the heritage instead of just money!
Help this petition grow
Share it with friends to help reach
250 signatures.
Sign Petition
We never post to your account. Social sign-in is used only to verify your signature.
or sign with Email
Add a comment?
Your signature will be added via . Tell others why you're signing — it's optional.
Signing with Google or Facebook verifies your signature instantly — no email needed.
Save the site. Perret built this for a reason and we have to keep it intact.