Chatel Argent

The Great Ring in the Sky

ENG - Mountain peaks have long served as sites for spiritual and communal gathering.  This project proposes the revitalization of such a place, utilizing the existing historical fabric to breathe new life into a forgotten space.  Through a thoughtful process of negation and embrace, a new micro-city emerges, nestled amongst the clouds and steeped in the whispers of the past.

The Site: A Tapestry of Time

Imagine a weathered peak, etched with the stories of millennia.  Here, an ancient tower, a sentinel against time, stands shoulder-to-shoulder with a once-vibrant church, their stones bearing the weight of forgotten prayers.  These pre-existences, though past their prime, hold a potent narrative that begs to be retold.

The Challenge:  Negation and Embrace

The project confronts the challenge of respecting these historical structures while forging a new path.  We don't introduce forceful new functions within them; instead, we embark on a journey of negation.  This doesn't signify dismissal, but rather a delicate act of subtraction, allowing the pre-existences to speak for themselves.

However, negation is only half the story.  The true magic lies in the act of embracing.  We envision a new architectural system, a series of interconnected elements that gently envelop the existing structures.  This creates a micro-city, a self-contained world where the past and present coexist in a harmonious dialogue.

The Circular Walls:  Function Takes Form

The defining characteristic of this micro-city is its walls.  Eschewing traditional linearity, we propose a series of interconnected, circular structures that snake around the peak.  These walls are not merely barriers; they are the very functions of the city, housing living quarters, communal spaces, and essential services.

A Look Inside the Walls:

Imagine stepping inside one of these circular walls.  Light filters through strategically placed openings, casting mesmerizing patterns on the interior walls.  Living spaces, designed for both social interaction and introspective solitude, line the curved walls, offering breathtaking panoramic views.  Community spaces and dining areas foster a sense of togetherness, .

The Embrace of the Pre-Existences

As you navigate the inner sanctum of the wall, you encounter the existing tower and church.  These historical structures stand proudly, their exteriors preserved and their interiors transformed.  The tower, with its inherent verticality, becomes a place for contemplation and observation.  A spiral staircase ascends its core, leading to viewing platforms that offer unparalleled vistas of the surrounding landscape.

The church, once a place of worship, finds new life as a community center.  Its soaring space can host gatherings, performances, and educational workshops.  Careful restoration breathes new life into the existing stained glass windows, transforming shafts of sunlight into vibrant narratives.

Beyond the Walls:  A Micro-City in Harmony with Nature

The micro-city extends beyond the circular walls.  Sustainable gardens nestled within the curves of the walls provide fresh produce and a tranquil escape.  Renewable energy sources, strategically placed to minimize visual impact, power the ring-city, ensuring its self-sufficiency.  Walking paths weave through the natural landscape, connecting residents to the beauty of the mountain peak.

A Legacy Reimagined

This project is not merely about creating a new space; it's about forging a connection between the past, present, and future.  By embracing the existing historical structures and weaving them into the fabric of the new, we create a micro-city that resonates with history and breathes new life into a forgotten place.  This micro-city becomes a testament to the power of negation and embrace, a place where the whispers of the past mingle with the dreams of the future.

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