This recently opened amenity preserves a historic building – the Old Biot Pottery – by incorporating it into a thoroughly modern project.
What was the Old Biot Pottery has been transformed into a community arts and culture centre catering for all ages, urges and uses. "The aim was to group three separate municipal services in one place: a media library, a tourist office showcasing the village and the council chambers," explains Corinne Bapt of EPURE architects in Antibes. "In addition we had to give the place a modern image while referencing the sculpting and firing of clay, so as to link up with the village's history and the Sophia-Antipolis technology park. We therefore proposed a meticulous rehabilitation of the 18th-century building plus a contemporary extension separate from the old part, so the two periods would be clearly distinguished." The 635m² development comprises three floors connected by a sculptural staircase, set around original features such as the tank and firing room that can be used for exhibitions, shows, concerts, films and other events. The different spaces are all pleasant, restful and encourage cultural pursuits, for example a press reading room and cafeteria set around a patio, a children's reading room with lounge, a multimedia library and music room.
By Alexandre Benoist
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