kengo kuma in angers, france

 

kengo kuma unveils its design of a protective intervention along the saint-maurice cathedral in angers, france. expected to complete in 2024, the new gallery will help to preserve the western portal of the historic structure where precious polychromatic sculptures from medieval (12th century) and modern (17th century) periods were recently discovered. dating from the 12th century, the uniqueness of the portal is expressed through these multi-colored stone relics typical of the middle ages. the team notes that only a new construction will be able to sustainably preserve it.

kengo kuma to preserve historic cathedral in angers, france with contemporary intervention

image © kengo kuma & associates

 

 

precise stonework

 

the architects at kengo kuma & associates takes to angers, france to respectfully blend the contemporary and historic. the team creates an harmonious dialogue between new creation while preserving middle-age architectural heritage. through the eyes of the original builders of the middle ages, the architects create a regulatory framework through the use of compasses, generating the proportions which lead to unity.

 

the team comments that all this is achieved through the use of the most precise possible stone processes. the addition is freed from the thick walls of the cathedral built with stereotomy, the technical process that introduces a contemporary atmosphere to the building, while preserving and celebrating the history of architecture.

kengo kuma to preserve historic cathedral in angers, france with contemporary intervention
image © kengo kuma & associates

kengo kuma to preserve historic cathedral in angers, france with contemporary intervention
image by l’autreimage | © kengo kuma & associates

kengo kuma to preserve historic cathedral in angers, france with contemporary intervention
image © kengo kuma & associates

kengo kuma to preserve historic cathedral in angers, france with contemporary intervention
image © kengo kuma & associates kengo kuma to preserve historic cathedral in angers, france with contemporary intervention
image © kengo kuma & associates kengo kuma to preserve historic cathedral in angers, france with contemporary intervention
image © kengo kuma & associates

 

 

project info:

 

project title: construction of a protective structure for the western portal of saint-maurice cathedral in angers, france

architecture: kengo kuma & associates

location: angers, france

project team: chizuko kawarada, elise fauquembergue, carla beaujard, hiromichi kamiya
heritage architect: vincent brunelle, martin brunelle
general engineering, quantity surveyor: betem atlantique, jean-françois renaud
lighting designer: 8’18’’ concepteurs et plasticiens lumière, emmanuelle sebie, line muckensturm

expected completion: 2024
exterior image: l’autreimage © kengo kuma & associates
interior images: kengo kuma & associates © kengo kuma & associates