Vezzoni et Associés

Centre de conservation et de ressources du MUCEM . Marseille

Vezzoni et Associés . photos: © David Huguenin

A monolith fashioned by light.

© Vezzoni et Associés

© Vezzoni et Associés

© Vezzoni et Associés

© Vezzoni et Associés

© Vezzoni et Associés

© Vezzoni et Associés

The proposed Conservation Centre for the MUCEM (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations) reserves fits uncompromisingly and compactly into the site among the nearby industrial buildings. With the same floor area (72 x 72 m) as the MUCEM, the Conservation Centre integrates the notion of thickness. Unlike the museum which displays what is to be seen, the centre houses what is not to be seen: in other words, the museum’s reserves which, like a secret, are kept hidden behind the scenes. Natural light enters through the carved-out core of this rock-like, rough-cast concrete monolith.

Location: Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône
Year: 2004
Contracting authority: ICADE PROMOTION
Associated contractors: AURA / A.Jollivet - Architect
Ingerop - Engineering
Estimated cost: 13.2 MEuros (exclusive of VAT)
Total floor area: 13,033 sq. m