Jean Prouvé in front of his house. © VG Binkunst
Today we just want to mention one of our heros…. (in the architecture and design industries anyway). Jean Prouvé (1901-1984) passed away long before we knew what was what in architecture, but have since come to acknowledge that he really is a favorite of both Jason’s and mine.
all Maison Tropicale images, © jordan provost 2007
On a sunny spring afternoon in 2007 we went to visit one of Prouvé’s creations: Maison Tropicale (1951). Christie’s transported a prototype of his Maison Tropicale from the Congo to France for restoration and then eventually in the Spring of 2007, on to Long Island City, and reassembled it at the foot of the Queensboro Bridge.
This house is one of three of his prototypes, designed to weather the extreme temperature and humidity of West Africa. The wrap around veranda has a slatted floor for drainage in the rainy season and is complete with louvers to adjust for winds and to reflect sunlight away from house when necessary. The interior of the house has Prouve’s signature round windows, which were tinted to minimize light and heat coming in. There are even small circular vents near the floor to open when necessary.
During the restoration, one interior column was left as it was found, while the rest were restored and powder coated to match original colors. It was a delight to be able to stand inside of Prouvé’s creation…. and likely the only time in my life that I’ll be able to do so. If memory serves me, hotelier, André Balazs, acquired the house for a mere 4.97 million dollars. Ho hum.
Jean Prouvé, standard chairs and Gueridon Table
Jean Prouvé, two seater desk #850, 1952
One Comment
Great shot Jordan!