Faille Cachée des Marais Park Entrance, The competition organized by the town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice called for the design of an architectural feature that would symbolize the entrance to the park and would try to bridge two distinct landscapes, encouraging walkers to pass from one through to the other. The proposed site is at the meeting point of two very disparate components: an urban sports ground and a park, both linked by a footbridge. The two environments, the constructed and the natural, are physically separated by the Versoyen River.
© Clément Molinier
It is at the convergence of all these elements, bridge, river, plain, and park, that we chose to set up, since it is at the points of confrontation between constrained heterogeneous spaces that projects make sense and respond best to the issues raised. You don’t enter an outdoor space through a conventional door. The park has no ceiling, so the notion of a door needs to be re-examined and deconstructed through the experience of passing through.
© Clément Molinier
The structure, made from local pine, is composed of an assembly of vertical porticos, emphasizing the graceful, infinite slenderness of the trees. This bare, radical framework evokes a levitating volume. The layout creates a physical reaction from the walkers, first by making them pass beneath it and then by inviting them to raise their heads upwards. A bench, which forms the project’s relationship to the ground, allows them to sit and contemplate the sky through the gap overhead or the Marais landscape before them.
© Clément Molinier
Finally, the construction can accommodate displays such as a map of the park or even, by using a simple system of hooks, photographic exhibitions, and educational boards. This highly organized and symbolic structural forest therefore serves a purpose and helps to re-establish a precious, yet endangered amenity: public signage. The project’s radical discretion manages to bridge the gap between the vernacular and the contemporary, in keeping with Charlotte Perriand’s work at Les Arcs.
Project Info
Architects: Martin Gaufryau, Quentin Barthe, Tom Patenotte
Country: France, Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Area: 9 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Clément Molinier
Anastasia Andreieva is an accomplished Architectural Projects Editor at Arch2O, bringing a unique blend of linguistic expertise and design enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in Ukraine, she holds a Master’s degree in Languages from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her deep passion for architecture and visual storytelling led her to transition from translation and editorial roles into the world of design media. With a keen eye for conceptual clarity and narrative structure, Anastasia curates and presents global architectural projects with precision and flair. She is particularly drawn to parametric and digital design, cultural context, and emerging voices in architecture. When I’m not analyzing the latest architectural trends, you’ll probably find me searching for hidden gems in cityscapes or appreciating the beauty of well-crafted spaces. After all, great design—like great connections—can be found in the most unexpected places. Speaking of connections, because architecture isn’t the only thing that brings people together.