The architect, artist and sociologist Elizabeth de Portzamparc has developed a philosophy she calls New Architecture. It is based on the idea that architecture has to enhance every interaction with the elements of its environment – both physical and cultural. The exhibition NEXUS explains this philosophy and presents adaptive methods Elizabeth de Portzamparc and her team of the Paris-based studio use to improve places and ecosystems, and to alter them according to new uses. The visitors of the exhibition are invited to explore the different methods and principles through 15 projects, including the internationally known Musée de la Romanité in Nîmes, the vertical and vibrant neighbourhood Citadelles in Villejuif, the innovation and science centres in Biot and in Shanghai, the bioclimatic university library Humathèque in Aubervilliers as well as the stations for the Bordeaux Tramway.
To quote Elizabeth de Portzamparc: "Some languages attribute a logical foundation to the Latin term 'nexus' [engl.: connection]. 'Nexus' evokes a strong relationship that necessarily has a meaning, a motive, whether positive or negative. The notion of 'nexus' thus obliges us to question the nature of this relationship: is it complementary or harmonious? Or on the contrary, does it involve domination, even destruction? Adopting this understanding of 'nexus', I consider that the essence of architectural interaction must be a relationship of enriching complementarity, regeneration, differentiating it from the notion of predation. Connection, interrelation, transformation, development: the 'nexus' is everything at once."
For Elizabeth de Portzamparc, the fundamental principle of life is anchored in the term 'nexus': it is the interaction between beings and all living elements. 'Nexus' describes a set of entities in motion, which are defined by their mutual relationships.
Through the ability of architecture to shape space and life, and because it is our way of inhabiting the world, architecture plays a fundamental role in this game of evolutionary balance. In response to environmental, economic, and social crises, it must provide solutions to regenerate the balance of ecosystems while including humans and non-humans.
Quartier Atlantis Grand-Ouest – Ellipse Building, Massy, FR; Elizabeth de Portzamparc © Aldo Ancieta | Bassins à Flot, Bordeaux, FR; Elizabeth de Portzamparc © Nicolas Borel | Versailles Chantiers – West Block, Versailles, FR; Elizabeth de Portzamparc © Nicolas Borel
The exhibition
The NEXUS exhibition explores this philosophy of architecture based on mutually beneficial interactions. Her vision has been built throughout the years in continuing experiments, leading to the development of an adaptive method aimed at these goals: transforming a space and conceptualizing it as a renewing, progressing ecosystem capable of adapting to shifts in utilization.
To apply this concept to buildings, Elizabeth de Portzamparc has defined ten major principles that guide the development of her projects. At least one of the principles is applied to each project. The principles of New Architecture are:
- Context Links
- Innovation
- Inclusion
- Context Regeneration
- Total-Flex
- Vertical Village
- Diversity of Programs and Users
- Sustainable Materials
- Prefabrication
- Economy of Shapes and Materials
Humathèque, Aubervilliers, FR; Elizabeth de Portzamparc © Sergio Grazia | Science Hall of Zhangjiang Science City, Shanghai, CN; Elizabeth de Portzamparc © SFAP
The projects
The exhibition traces the path of her thinking and methods. The projects illustrate the materialization of her vision and the principles of New Architecture. The 15 projects and concepts presented in the exhibition are:
Musée de la Romanité, archeological museum and garden in Nîmes, FR, finished, 2012–2018
Urban Osmose, rehabilitation project for offices, coworking and coliving spaces, shops and a cultural center in Clichy-la-Garenne, FR, under construction, 2018–2025
Humathèque, university library in Aubervilliers, FR, finished, 2014–2021
Pôle Innovation – Sophia Antipolis, academic and research spaces, accommodation/business hotel, amphitheater and restaurant in Biot, FR, under construction, 2022–2025
Science Hall of Zhangjiang Science City, science city, auditoriums and exhibition rooms in Shanghai, CN, finished, 2017–2022
Citadelles, renovation of a former “Redoute” military fort to a 4-star hotel, laboratories, student housing, retail, wellness center and convention center in Villejuif, FR, design, 2017
Wooden Prefabricated Modular Units: Small-Scale Emergency Housing on Zero-Cost-Land Property, emergency housing concept, design, since 2004
Taichung Intelligence Operation Center (TIOC), tower including a digital cultural center, retail, offices and restaurants in Taichung, TW, design, since 2017
Gare Le Bourget (Emblematic train station of Le Bourget of Grand Paris), train station in Le Bourget, FR, under construction, 2014–2026
Archaeological Museum of Yongcheng, public and cultural facility in Fengxiang, CN, under construction, 2020–2025
Versailles Chantiers – West Block, housing and coworking space in Versailles, FR, finished, 2014-2020
Bassins à Flot, housing in Bordeaux, FR, finished, 2009-2015
The Metropolitan Tramway of Bordeaux, mobility and furniture design in Bordeaux, FR, finished, 1998–2013
Living in the Leaves, eco-resort in Huizhou, CN, in planning, 2021–2026
Quartier Atlantis Grand-Ouest – Ellipse Building, housing – as part of an entire urban project – in Massy, FR, finished, 2011-2017
Citadelles, Villejuif, FR; Elizabeth de Portzamparc © Elizabeth de Portzamparc | The Metropolitan Tramway of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, FR; Elizabeth de Portzamparc © Nicolas Borel
About Elizabeth de Portzamparc
Elizabeth de Portzamparc, born in Rio de Janeiro, is is a French architect, nourished by sociology and anthropology. She faces both new societal and environmental challenges with the conviction that the quality of architecture depends of numerous interactions that it can stablish between buildings and their living and cultural context. Aware of this, in 2008 she created within her studio the Sustainable Urban Planning Workshop, with a multidisciplinary team including sociologists and anthropologists who participate in the development of her experimental projects.
Besides the projects presented in the exhibition, the architect is also known for her interior design of the French Embassy in Berlin (1999–2002).
In 2023, she was honoured with the Médaille de l'Ordre national du mérite (engl.: Medal of the National Order of Merit) in France, awarded by Philippe Descola.
The studio of Elizabeth de Portzamparc forms – together with the studio of her husband Christian de Portzamparc – the Parisian agency 2P Architectes & Associates. Both studios work independently of each other.
