RAW Design Build + IAU College | Summer 2013

Marchutz Classroom

A new gathering space

The Marchutz School of Fine Arts, located at the base of Mont St Victoire in Aix-en-Provence, was founded 40 years ago by the renowned French artist Leo Marchutz. This institution is internationally recognized for its holistic approach to art education, influenced by Marchutz's innovative work in lithography, painting, drawing, and art education.

The school features a studio building designed by the French architect Fernand Pouillon, known for his work in the mid-20th century. The project we undertook, in collaboration with IAU and RAW Design Build, aimed to create a new outdoor learning environment. This new addition complements the existing stone studio designed by Ferdinand Pouillon in 1957.

The two new buildings were designed to frame the garden, providing students with a unique outdoor space for learning. These structures, constructed using timber, offer a contrast to the enduring stone studio, blending tradition with modernity. This project continues the school's legacy, combining artistry and architecture to enhance the learning experience while paying homage to the rich artistic history of the region.