works by enzo mari, india mahdavi, and more, take over fluid villa benkemoun in arles

the iconic Villa Benkemoun in France celebrates 50th anniversary

Just outside the city of Arles in France, the iconic Villa Benkemoun, designed by Le Corbusier disciple Emile Sala, celebrates its 50th anniversary. Built in 1974, the residence features fluid forms and dynamic spaces, originally crafted for Simone and Pierre Benkemoun, a couple who dreamt of living in a house that was transparent and open. Today, the residence still holds its importance as an architectural icon. Today, while no longer a private residence, it remains a significant architectural landmark, now repurposed as an exhibition venue that hosts various public events.

To celebrate its half-century milestone, the villa will host a special exhibition curated by Raphael Giannesini, featuring renowned artists such as Alain Jacquet, Claude Parent, Enzo Mari, India Mahdavi, Isabelle Cornaro, Michel Journiac, Joseph-André Motte, Romain Laprade, Victor Vasarely, and others. Titled 1974 – Passé, Présent, Futur, the exhibition highlights the creative works of 1974. Spanning nearly a month, the event will include conferences, guided tours, and a film series dedicated to that year’s cinema, celebrating the art, design, and culture of this pivotal time.

image © Diane Hymans

Emile Sala’s Vision: Crafting Fluid and Dynamic Spaces

Architect Emile Sala, who regarded Le Corbusier as his master, worked on Villa Benkemoun with complete freedom. He created fluid and dynamic spaces with soft volumes and alternating light and shadows. Instead of straight lines, he favored curves that lend a softer feel to the space. This organic architecture sometimes reminded him of neurons, while the layout of the villa also resembled the flow of haciendas or riads, centered around a patio. The overall design blends futuristic 1960s influences with considerations for the landscape’s physical and environmental potential. This approach aligns with early bioclimatic architectural theories, remaining relevant today.

Pierre and Simone Benkemoun lived happily in the iconic villa for 45 years, surrounded by their three children and later their three grandchildren, always hosting large gatherings of family and friends. In 2017, their daughter Brigitte Benkemoun and her husband Thierry Demaizière decided to refurbish the home and open it to the public. Nowadays this 1970s emblem is available for shootings, conferences, dinners, and other special events. It also hosts art exhibitions and is occasionally open for tours.