The Olivier Debré Contemporary Art Center project originated from an international competition aimed at transforming the former “Academy of Fine Arts” in Tours into a vibrant space for contemporary art creation and exhibition. A key objective was to safeguard the collection of abstract painter Olivier Debré’s works.
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The project’s ambition is to honor the dense historical city center while engaging in a meaningful dialogue with it. It preserves the character of existing buildings and simultaneously provides large-scale spaces for new exhibition functions that maintain an open relationship with the city. The design responds to the existing conditions: valuable architectural heritage, a unique urban context, and clear ambitions outlined in the competition brief. Central to this is the distinctive concept of reality and enlightenment expressed in Olivier Debré’s artwork.
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The design clarifies the architectural elements, urban context (BIM), and architectural functions, highlighting their interrelationships. The project features two distinct volumes representing different eras: the original main volume is preserved and remains independent, emphasizing its symbolic value as a public building from a specific historical period. Next to it, a new volume with an ambiguous scale and timeless quality is introduced. Connecting the two volumes is a transparent, luminous space that brings a sense of openness to the entire building and enhances its relationship with the surrounding urban environment.
The project achieves a subtle balance between two contrasting architectural forms: a grounded, outward volume at the base, and above it, a flat, commemorative block that floats inwardly over the glass space.
Despite their contrast, the textures are harmonious: the new white volume and heavy limestone echo the color and tone of the restored stone slabs of the historic building. The stonework employs traditional local stonemasonry techniques, evoking the collective memory of the site. Material expressiveness was carefully considered to enhance a sense of permanence, solidity, and character. While the building is constructed from stone, its spaces are carved out of light, allowing for openness and new functional possibilities.
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Project Drawings
Location Map
Sectional View
Floor Plan
Floor Plan
Design Drawings
Detail Drawing
Project Information
Architect: Buenos Aires Mateus
Location: Garden François 1er, 37000 Tours, France
Designers: Francisco Buenos Aires Mateus, Manuel Buenos Aires Mateus
Area: 5,700 m²
Project Year: 2016
Photographers: Benoit Fougeirol, Delfino Sisto Legnani & Marco Cappelletti, Nuno Cera
Project Type: Visual Arts Center
Project Manager: Anna Bacchetta
Project Team: André Ribeiro, Pauline Pontisso, Mário Serrano, Lourenço Amaro, Alexandre Branco, Mafalda Girão, Cristina Vasconcelos Vega, Solaz Soler Anca, Maria Pasarin, Boldizsar Medvey
Partners: AAVP – Vincent Parreira, Marie Brodin; B+B
Engineering: BEA Ingenierie, Lightec, Inacoustics
Construction: SOGEA CENTRE (Structure, Clothes and Covers), SPIE Fluids (Technical Lots), PIM (Partitions, Insulation, Plastering), TOLGA (False Ceilings), CSI CHAMPIGNY SEGELLES (Carpentry), MARC MEUNIER (Painting), MAGALHAES (Tiles, Faience), KONE (Elevators), TAMBÉ (Scenography), MCCF (Geothermal)
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