kengo kuma composes aix en provence conservatory of music in france

kengo kuma composes aix en provence conservatory of music in france
photo © roland halbe

kengo kuma has completed the ‘aix en provence conservatory of music‘ in the south of france, an aluminum-clad structure that houses a 500-seat auditorium alongside various other facilities. the scheme is conceived as a cultural hub for the area, designed to attract local, national and international visitors of all ages.

the building’s skin is folded at various points, creating an intricate play of light and shadow
photo © roland halbe

accounting for the change in elevation that affects the site, the building’s skin is folded at various points, creating an intricate play of light and shadow across the pleated façades. this is in part a subtle homage to paul cezanne, the locally born post-impressionist painter, and to origami – the traditional japanese paper folding technique.

the structure is placed within a large public square
photo © roland halbe

placed within a large public square, the entrance to the concert hall is contained behind an angled wall of glazing, which serves as an illuminated beacon at night. internally, asymmetrically proportioned volumes are connected with winding circulation routes that mirror the structure’s external elevations.

the pleated façades are in part a homage to the works of paul cezanne, the locally born post-impressionist painter
photo © roland halbe