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Save the National Navy Buildings (Paris XVème arr)

Save the National Navy Buildings (Paris XVème arr)

166 signatures 84 to reach 250
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Rivière C. signed
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Vigato J. signed
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Started by Anonymous 16 years, 11 months ago
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.

Updates

November 2, 2009

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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