Production Conception and Architecture

PCA has accompanied the Institut Français in its commitment to change by the artistic conception of development of its new headquarters in Paris by instilling a spirit of contemporary design, echoing the essence of the institutions activities. On January 1, 2011, the Instut Français, operator of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European External... Action of France, has replaced the association Cultures France, with a broader scope of action and increased resources. Chaired by Xavier Darcos, the Instut Français works closely with the French cultural network abroad, consisting of over 150 French institutes and close to 1,000 French alliances. It promotes cultural activities outside of France in terms of artistic exchange - performing arts, visual arts, and architecture - and distributes this in the areas of books, film, the French language, knowledge and ideas. In 2010, the French institute asked PCA for the artistic design and development of its new headquarters in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, in collaboration with the Société Majorelle, responsible for spatial planning. Aimed at creating a specific work environment, this action would then accompany the changes faced by the institution in 2011: new statutes, a new name, and a new location. One of the priorities of PCA was to soften up the office environment, which was under severe normative constraints. Among the solutions adopted: the installation of glass partitions to maintain a relationship to the world outside, choosing furnishings in muted colors to enhance light, the installation of additional lighting to create a more domestic atmosphere. Beyond these solutions for the "ambiance," the project had to be representative of the Institut Français. The desire was for something that explored deeper than just a simple project layout and decor: to instill a new spirit of contemporary art, reflecting the actions of the institution. With that purpose in mind, PCA sought to understand what constituted the essence of the Institute's activities and concluded ...Read More