Towards a Beautiful Collection of Proximity
– an Evolving Rurality through Places of Encounter
Solo academic project at Studio Beaurecueil, instructed by Pierre DAVID et Marie MENANT, ENSA Paris-Malaquais, Oct 2023-Jan 2024.
Key words: Research-oriented Design, Local Project, Landscape, Temporality, Spontaneity, Modular Dimension
“Proximity” is the concept that the mayor of Beaurecueil mentioned several times during an exchange session on our study trip. The mayor shared a vision with us, to develop a local agriculture, and one more step forward, it means a life of proximity, which is supposed to be a quality life. My project aims to explore a quality life that is defined by inviting everyone to participate, especially through places of exchange and encounter. As a result, my work is divided into two parts: preliminary and architectural design project.
During my study trip to Beaurecueil, I took plenty of photos. I felt enriched by the stunning natural and cultural landscapes, experiencing them almost like a tourist, somewhat separate from the locals. Yet, I wondered: do the residents, who are familiar with these landscapes, appreciate them as much? This led me to my first question: How do longtime residents derive sustenance from the landscapes they know so well?
Next, I researched the crops currently grown in Beaurecueil and the relationships among stakeholders in local agriculture. My aim was twofold: first, to explore how a more diverse crop mix could enhance local farming, especially with resident-producers in villa-farms; second, to emphasize the pivotal role of meeting places in promoting local product circulation. I then sought to bridge existing and new elements, recognizing the potential of these meeting spots to enrich community life.
Following that, considering the agricultural calendar of Beaurecueil, I initially suggested programs to enhance its local ambiance in terms of social connections. These include cafes, bakeries, media centers, libraries, and seasonal markets.
Finally, before delving into the architectural project, it’s crucial to acknowledge the synergies among the developments, especially between the villa-farms and the meeting places I chose to explore. I proposed a methodology for implementing these programs by creating a network. It’s within this network that the synergies are validated, supporting my site selection.
Now, the first concept for my architectural project is to fully embrace the natural landscape. The project aims to create a spontaneous dialogue between ourselves and the source.
The second concept is for the volumes to emerge from the earth. The site’s gentle slope and the sun’s trajectory inspired this approach. Similar to how local crops thrive, the project aims to enrich both the land and its occupants. By rising along the slope, it creates spaces for gatherings and exchanges.
The third concept is to accommodate diverse programs within a limited area. Therefore, I chose to introduce modular volumes that adapt both to the site’s slope and the users’ needs.
In the final stages of designing the site plan, I always ask: How can local farming lead us to a nearby, high-quality life, with constant room for improvement? From an architectural perspective, our food sources go beyond organic produce—they encompass understanding cultivation and production, truly embodying land sustainability. This understanding guided me to carve out three paths through the fields, fostering an immersive atmosphere for observation and a deeper connection to the land. On the ground floor, I opted not to designate specific spaces, as this project is truly defined by its use. Here, you can find a spot to enjoy coffee, read, converse, or buy fresh local products. It’s a place to pause, admire the changing seasons in the fields and mountains, and ultimately, discover the possibility of a better life. So, let your spontaneity shine—beauty will find you in one way or another.
In this cross-section, you can observe a modular height of 175 millimeters. Through layering, the volumes accommodate various opportunities for interaction and gathering. As evident in the elevations, the gradual variation in height along the vertical axis of the architectural project seamlessly follows the gentle slope of the site.
MA RUI 