Heritage Interpretation Centre

Heritage Interpretation Centre in Brie-Comte-Robert, France by Semon Rapaport

The town of Brie-Comte-Robert sits within the plateaud Brie region of France, an area known more for its cheese than anything else. The town is home to a 12th-century castle that went through periods of use and disuse by royalty until the 18th century, when the dilapidation of the building precluded it being used for anything but a prison. It was made a national landmark in 1925 and has recently undergone repairs and restoration of parts of the castle.

One piece in the recent appreciation of the site is the Centre d'Interprétation du Patrimoine (Heritage Interpretation Centre), where the anachronistic Association des Amis du Vieux Château (Friends of the Old Château Association) presents a permanent installation of artifacts and educational activities related to the site. Designed by local architects Semon Rapaport, the building contrasts itself with the solidity of the castle, at the same time incorporating the old ruin into the architecture to create a situation of historical and physical dependence.

The primary contrast between old and new is achieved by the choice of wood for the latter's walls, a choice made as much for its appearance as for its ease of disassembly and lightweight construction, important considerations given the ongoing archaeological work at the castle. Additional respect to the castle context is achieved via a low profile, so the new intervention isn't visible from outside the thick stone walls. These walls are what the new building "leans" against, structurally using them to brace new against old, and architecturally using them for display space.

The wood frame and cladding also allow for large openings in the exterior walls, giving the building a visual connection to the courtyard while inside. Overhead light is brought in via skylights running atop the stone walls, a gesture that highlights the exhibits but more so the castle itself. Overall the design recalls Carlo Scarpa's careful juxtaposition of old and new and equally careful exhibition of artifacts, the last here designed by Lorenzo Piqueras. The architecture and exhibition design effectively combine to help instill an appreciation of castle's history.