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/// DESIGN STORY / Interview with Jean-Michel Wilmotte Interview with Jean-Michel Wilmotte / DESIGN STORY ///

Your architecture firm was one of the 50 biggest in the world Can you explain the architectural concept behind the Allianz
in 2023. What is the secret of your success? Riviera in Nice?
JEAN-MICHEL WILMOTTE
Jean-Michel Wilmotte: I think that one of the most important J.M.W.: We designed the Allianz Riviera Stadium for it to
Archi- things is listening to your client. It's what allows you to find the harmoniously and strategically integrate the landscape of the Eco
are
there
Valley, which is a development project to boost the economy of
my
Then,
interpretation
best
requirements.
of their
to
d’Azur
construct
Our
idea
Nice-Côte
was
metropolis.
a
teams, who are both motivated and motivating. I'm surrounded
the
ARCHITECT by high achievers, with varying profiles and cultural backgrounds, fragment of the city. So, we opted for a compact "cauldron-type"
outreach.
the
firm's
who
the
truly reflect
stadium to reinforce the urban structure. A framework of public
diversity and
Finally,
projects
sheer
number
of our
constantly face
spaces and easy-access links was put in place as a continuation
new
means
we
challenges and must come up with innovative methods, so that
landscaped
we avoid getting trapped inside our comfort zone. of the existing urban fabric and thoroughfares. The parking lots
to
were
allow
underground
for
and
gardens
placed
amenities above ground, linking the ensemble to the rest of the
You are an expert in the new, but also in renovation, a major
city. As for our architectural choices in the design of the stadium,
challenge today. What is your vision as far as that is concerned?
it started with the idea of impetus, with undulating lines evoking
J.M.W.: My vision of renovation – which I like to call a a bird taking flight.
A R C H I T E C T U R E, U R B A N P L A N N I N G ,
"contemporary graft" – is to breathe life into existing buildings
D E S I G N ... A L L S U B J E C T S A R E O F Other than the stadium itself, you also designed its fold-down
by integrating modern features, while preserving their original
seats. How did your multidisciplinary expertise add to what you
I N T E R E S T TO J E A N - M I C H E L W I L M OT T E .
essence. It's a junction between past and present, creating
created?
H I S PA S S I O N F O R C O N T E M P O R A RY A R T I S synergy between heritage and contemporary architecture. This J.M.W.: Multidisciplinary expertise is an asset because it allows
Photo credit: Serge Demailly F R O M T H E D E S I G N O F F O L D - D OW N S E AT S , and surroundings, while avoiding pastiche. It's an approach that's us to manage projects gives their entirety, which then guarantees
approach is highly respectful of the buildings' character, history
E AC H
H I S
P R O J E C T S ,
O F
R E F L E C T E D
I N
in
functional
overall
harmony.
technological
and
a
It
us
resolutely focused on the future.
T H AT
TO
E M B L E M AT I C
S TA D I U M S .
O F
exactness,
which
doesn't
esthetic side.
Such
detract
from the
museums,
o ces,
stations,
is
work
Your
varied:
train
very
C O N S TA N T
A
kinds
all
also
S C A L E
the
gives
O F
C H A N G E
W H I C H
undertake
of
theaters, campuses... What are the architectural constants for
limit
projects,
to
T H E
O N
E D G E ,
C U T T I N G
K E E P S
H I M
designing sporting venues? expertise without ever us having ability to ourselves. Regarding the
design of the seats, our team closely studied the industrialization
W I T H AT T E N T I O N TO D E TA I L A LWAYS
J.M.W.: The constants for sporting venues are manifold. Firstly, process so as to rationalize their production to a maximum, but
A F F O R D E D A S TA R R I N G R O L E .
Allianz Riviera, France as public event venues, the structures must respect a certain also optimize their replacement. They're made from a reinforced
number of strict norms. Secondly, their implantation must allow material to withstand the strain from soccer fans, anti-UV treated
the best possible access. Sporting venues must also be intelligently and self-extinguishable. The underside of the seats is red, which
planned logistics-wise for optimal crowd flow and functionality- is the club color, so they meet both technological and esthetic
wise to be able to host various events. They must also have an requirements.
20 esthetic in tune with the landscape so they fit in harmoniously. 21
Moreover, they must employ the latest technologies in lighting,
Photo credit: Rodolphe Escher REC Grand Palais Ephémère, France
ventilation and energy-management systems, so as to obtain the
best spectator experience and the least environmental impact.
Château Pédesclaux, France
Photo credit: Envol
United Nations House for West Africa, Senegal Renovation is a junction between past and
present, creating synergy between heritage
and contemporary architecture.
This French Legion of Honor holder has a CV as
impressive as it is multifaceted, having reworked
Photo credit: Jean Grisoni the apartments of the Élysée Palace and designed
the legendary urban furniture of the Promenade
Anglais
des
in
mention
not
overseeing
to
Nice,
Photo credit: Wilmotte
restoration
or
architectural
numerous
creation
projects across the globe. He tells us about his
vision and reflects on his very unique career.