Le Front

In the analysis of the Principality of Monaco physical and social contradictions emerge. The main trend within the analysis is the contrast between the image and the reality of Monaco. First of all we see a big contrast in style, with major tourist attractions in the style ‘Belle Epoque’ and large residential projects in Modernist concrete structures. Secondly, the geography of the state is in itself a contrast. The mountain and sea face each other throughout the length of the State. Thirdly, besides physical manifestations of duality there are also more abstract social contrasts. For instance, the sustainability events for celebrities against a backdrop of a harbour full of polluting yachts. Asides this, the millionaires arrive in supercars and park in front of the casino. Meanwhile the working force in the leisure sector arrive on scooters. This duality in the State cannot remain unaddressed within the architecture of a new development. In the dense urban setting of Monaco a front arises. At the centre of the hostility is a spatial product that reflects the duality inherent to the Principality, its social construct and the program. In the dense urban setting of Monaco a front arises.

To reflect on the contrasts I chose a program where the function could contradict each other, the Ministry of Propaganda and Bellingcat. The first tries to convey the people that the State does good by covering or manipulating the facts. The second is an independent civilian journalist network using mainly online sources. In four steps two volumes are shaped with its context. First the tourist square in front of the casino is closed on the final side by extruding two fronts from the ground. On each front the structure is a representation of their way of working. The Ministry of Propaganda structure has a traditional shape, with several cut-outs a unique spatial experience is created. On the other hand, the Bellingcat office has a unique dynamic structure, workspace are entered from ramps spanning throughout the structure. The two large facades are a subtle reflection of the function behind it. With the Bellingcat office facing the Monte Carlo Casino and the Ministry of Propaganda facing the banking industry. In between the two fronts a route emerges from the commercial retail area to the public park. The aluminium of the inner Bellingcat façade reflects the bright red perforated metal of the inner Ministry façade, however this reflection is distorted by the windows that follow the dynamic structure of the Bellingcat building. The windows of the Ministry of Propaganda do not line up with the structure behind it, this indicates to the public that something is not quite right. To further elaborate the on the representation of the function behind it sometimes the façade continues over the window. This allows both functions to operate within their own ideals of transparency and accountability. Finally, in the vast yet narrow open space in between the fronts two balconies protrude towards the opposite front, this is a spatial dialogue between the two fronts.

The structure is made from CLT, which offers flexibility within certain parameters, a contradiction in itself. Besides, either biodegradable or easily reusable materials are used within the structure. For instance the hemp insulation is used within the walls and standardized steel or wooden staircases are used for circulation. The positioning of the window, very deep into the façade, offer the first layer of shading. The second layer of shading comes from the individual shading systems in the South façade, this offers more comfort to the user. The ventilation system also offers heating throughout the building by reusing the warmth from the air inside. Furthermore, to increase comfort windows can be opened by users to allow fresh air into the building.