Perriand’s buildings in Les Arcs in the 1970s bring together the immaculate and fragile mountain landscape of France with the emerging mass tourism.
The mountain architecture is an expression of the social vision of the „holiday for everyone“ under the French labour legislation of the 1960s.
During her stays in Japan in the early 1940s and 50s, Charlotte Perriand was particularly interested in the conceptual connection of traditional Japanese houses with nature.
She wanted to apply the experience she had gained in Japan to „architecture that forms an authentic relationship with nature“ 2.
Perriand’s buildings in Les Arcs are accessible by ramps inside and outside. The ramps as building access allow a special spatial experience: movement in the building as a continuation of walking in the mountains. Ceiling scaffolding made of wood structures the long corridors: they remind us of walking under branches. The free horizon is also staged as part of the house.
Charlottes ramps. architect Charlotte Perriand I C-Prints 60 x 40 cm ©Kay Fingerle I Les Arcs 2017
Charlottes ramps. architect Charlotte Perriand I C-Prints 60 x 40 cm ©Kay Fingerle I Les Arcs 2017
CharlCharlottes ramps. architect Charlotte Perriand I C-Prints 60 x 40 cm ©Kay Fingerle I Les Arcs 2017