TC CUADERNOS 159: Brenac & Gonzalez. Architecture 2017-2023

Introducing issue #159 of TC Cuadernos, dedicated to the architectural production of the studio Brenac Gonzalez & Associés, founded in Paris in 1981 by Xavier Gonzalez and Olivier Brenac. This volume brings together a curated selection of 16 works that reflect the studio’s philosophy, focused on creating innovative spaces in harmony with contemporary needs, the environment, and local culture.

The projects, spanning residential, office, educational, and cultural buildings, are organized into four recurring themes that transcend traditional programmatic distinctions and address broader social dynamics and the needs of clients and users. These themes are fostering community, orchestrating transitions, promoting acceptability, and industrial poetry—approaches that relate Brenac & Gonzalez’s architecture to the pressing issues of our time.

Accompanied by essays from Jacques Lucan, Annabelle Hagmann, and Jean-Louis Violeau, who delve into the architects’ philosophy and vision, each project is also meticulously documented with texts, photographs, plans, and construction details.

The work of Brenac & Gonzalez is distinguished by its construction rigor, artisanal approach, and focus on using materials and techniques specific to each project. This “industrial poetry” is evident in the attention to detail, choice of color palettes, finishes, and precision in design and execution of structural elements, facades, and finishes.

Highlighted works include the Chapelle International Tower in Paris, La Bastide in Montpellier, Marcel Cachin Housing in Romainville, Higher Roch Tower in Montpellier, and Marsiho Tower in Marseille. Since their last feature in this collection in 2016, TC Cuadernos 122, the world has experienced rapid changes that have impacted our relationship with the environment, intimate and public spaces, and our perception of fragility and interdependence. Brenac & Gonzalez have adeptly adapted to these transformations, offering innovative and resilient architectural solutions.

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Veste editoriale: Brossura
Formato: 23×29,5
Pagine: 370
Immagini a colori:
Immagini b/n:
Lingua: E-GB
Anno: 2023

ISBN: 9788417753511

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CONTENTS

An Elegant Solution for hard equations
Jacques Lucan

Thought in Movement
Xavier Gonzalez

Brenac & Gonzalez & Associés, Behind the Style, Seek the Author
Jean-Louis Violeau

The lexical field of a production
Anabelle Hagmann

MAKING SOCIETY

The Fayat Group Head Offices, Bordeaux, France
Chapelle International Tower, Paris 18, France
Simone Veil Educational Center, Rennes, France

ORGANIZING TRANSITIONS

Java Offices, Clichy Batignolles, Paris, France
Latecoere Headquarters + Pavilion, Toulouse, France
La Bastide, restaurant and services building, Parc Majoria, Pompignane-Montpellier, France
Marcel Cachin Housing, Romainville, France
Quai Ouest Offices, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
Angela Davis High School, La Plaine Saint-Denis, France

FOSTERING ACCEPTANCE

The Rosa Parks School Complex, Villeurbanne, France
Higher Roch Tower, Montpellier, France
The Marsiho Tower, Marseille, France
Jacques Chirac Library, Colombes, France

INDUSTRIAL POETRY

FLI Research Center, Saclay, France
Siège régional de Nexity, Lyon Vaise, France
Archimède, Offices and Sports Facility, Paris, France