In this monograph architect Christian Hauvette divides his most recent eleven build ings into three categories: dwellings, monuments, and machines. In the first category, we are introduced to experimental housing for town-dwellers; in the second to monuments that celebrate work and its institutions; and in the third to efficient public facilities that are adapted to their environment. Abundantly illustrated with plans and photographs, these categories are examined from the perspective of contemporary cultural production in three essays authored by sculptor Denis Pondruel, art historian Didier Laroque, and cinematographer Stan Neumann.

In this monograph architect Christian Hauvette divides his most recent eleven build ings into three categories: dwellings, monuments, and machines. In the first category, we are introduced to experimental housing for town-dwellers; in the second to monuments that celebrate work and its institutions; and in the third to efficient public facilities that are adapted to their environment. Abundantly illustrated with plans and photographs, these categories are examined from the perspective of contemporary cultural production in three essays authored by sculptor Denis Pondruel, art historian Didier Laroque, and cinematographer Stan Neumann.

An introduction by critic Paul Ardenne and philosopher Alice Laguarda, which presents ten concepts through which the authors explore the link between contemporary art and Hauvette’s architectural philosophy, rounds out this insightful volume.

In conclusion, Hauvette sums up his approach to architecture in truth, metaphor, narrative, an essay in which he asserts the inherent integrity of theory and practice, thought and creative action.

Christian Hauvette is one of the architects who have contributed to a renewed quality in architecture in France through public and private commissions. Challenging, accomplished and of incomparable methodological and constructive rigour, Hauvette’s work has been honoured with the Prix d’Architectures Publiques (Prize for Public Buildings) in 1986, the Grand-Prix National d’Architecture (National Award in Architecture) in 1991, and the Medaille d’honneur de I’Academie d’Architecture (Medal of Honour, the Academy of Architecture) in 1999.

Catalogue [Deca]ogue Alice Laguarda and Paul Ardenne

Foundations Denis Pondruel

204 Housing Units in Paris

1991-1995

40 Housing Units in Rennes

1992-1996

166 Housing Units in Rennes

1992-1996

Awaiting the Monument Didier Laroque

Nursery for 80 Children in Paris

1986-1990

Lafayette Polytechnic School in Clermont-Ferrand

1988-1991

Branch Office for the French Development

Agency in Paris 1994-1998

Office Building for the Savings and Loans Bank

in Paris 1998-2002

A Different Take on the World Stan Neumann

National College Louis Lumiere in Noisy-le-Grand

1986-1988

Education Authority of Martinique in Fort-de-France

1989-1994

Research Center and School of Engineering

in Clermont-Ferrand 1994-1998

National College of Engineering in Le Mans

1995-1998

Truth, Metaphor, Narrative Christian Hauvette

Appendix