A
NEW USAGE IN FAMILIAR SURROUNDINGS
The
Palais Beaumont has maintained its exuberant character
from the early 1900 style. The two stone bell-towers
with their uncommon silhouettes are the reminders
of a period when nature itself was a part of the
building under the large metal and glass dome
of the winter gardens.
The
architecture of the thirties introduced rigour.
Alignments replaced curves. Italien style balusters
placed on the arches prolong the centre of the
bays and hide the effects of the ceilings.
This
confrontation of styles has been maintained, and
as for cathedrals, is at the source of its richness.
Further additions had defigured the construction
and they were removed to preserve the essentials.
Nature
finds its way back into the open spaces alongside
the bell-towers at either side of the main hall,
under two glass roofs.
By
excavating in front of the Palais, the previous
underground level becomes a garden level revaling
a vue of the Pyrenees mountains. The artifcial
lake reflects the entire building.
The
dominant feeling inside is plantlife with light
filtering through various screens : staff arches,
sculpted wood panels and etched glass.
The
colours range from bright yellow to cuban brown.
Visitors
are guided by a carpet that is reminiscent of
undergrowth, into the prestigious open spaces
whose contemporary design still reminds us of
the memories of this historic building.
François
Lombard (Architect)
