Rehabilitation of Avignon archdiocese
The former archdiocese and convent of the Ursulines is grouped around a large block: five contiguous buildings, the oldest dating of 16th century and the most recent from the 20th century (post-war reconstruction). The oldest buildings were heavily degraded by successive interventions during the 19th century. The reconversion presents a historical interpretation based on the diagnosis of the General Council's archaeology service.
The developed principle consisted in setting a visible distinction between the new intervention and the existing structure through the contrast and the use of materials. This approach has both a deontological and pedagogical intention in order to show the truth of the intervention. The strategy consisted in highlighting the historical stratification and restoring the design and proportion of the street façade as it was in the 18th century. The demolition of the 19th century part makes the historical aspect legible and coherent, while affirming its new vocation through a contemporary reconstruction.
