Of the many submissions to this year's competition the jury had to exclude these two for different reasons, but fully agreed with COTE Magazine that they deserve a share of the limelight.
Fire watch-post by Oh!Som
This building is so tiny compared to the rest that it stood no chance of an award. But what beautiful technological poetry it is, standing in the Mediterranean landscape! Each summer, the forestry authority's fire wardens head out to their watch-posts; in 2013 the Pays de Martigues local authority decided to have a permanent one built for the Figuerolles park. Standing on a hilltop, it blends into the landscape and respects the environment, ready to stand up to all weather conditions – which can be tough here. It is autonomous and fully functional in summer, but folds up on itself for the winter as a measure against vandalism. We love this little perch, built for two wardens.
The J1 by Catherine Bonte
The jury could hardly give a prize to a building that no longer exists! Yet we visited the J1 often during MP2013 (Marseille's year as Capital of Culture) and admired the finesse of the work. The Marseille port authority had had the building temporarily refurbished for the culture fest, with terrace, shops and exhibition areas. Everything was well and simply designed with modern materials and a layout that ensured fluid foot traffic. The building hosted the opening and closing exhibitions of MP2013 and the Le Corbusier exhibition, and left us with some great memories.
By Dominique Juan
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