Architectural contribution given the risks due to the popularity of the Mont-Blanc

The objective of this contribution is to demonstrate the capacity of architecture to be a major factor of development on the specific site of the Aiguille du Goûter refuge, against the risks, both, environmental and human, caused by the severe overcrowding of the main route leading to the Mont-Blanc summit. The popularity of the Mont-Blanc has significant consequences on the environment and on human health. The poster will focus on the possibilities, offered by architecture, to answer the specific issues raised by empirical observations in situ and the confrontation between architectural and environmental considerations. The design, reinforced by a theoretical research, includes the definitions of walking and landscape as an integral part of the project. A reflexion on territorial scale contributes to the choice of the site, the shape and the integration. Typological and morphological choices aim to integrate the extreme environment in order to bring forward the proximity of deadly risks to which alpinists expose themselves, usually unconscientiously. To reinforce the presence of the mountain within the building, the context and the presence of natural elements as snow, rocks or slope of the famous Goûter’s corridor have been considered sources of the designing process. Finally to conceive the most appropriate spaces and refuge of high altitude, a particular attention has been given to the right level of comfort, suitable materials and atmosphere. The results of the research for this specific site will be presented through drawings, texts and images. The originality and interest of this contribution is to use architecture (implementation, typology and material) to address issues and to examine site-specific solutions in order to protect the Mont-Blanc summit and achieve a sustainable development of alpinism.

Architecture. A main factor of development and protection of the mountain environment

Estelle Lépine

The objective of this contribution is to show architecture as a major factor of development in mountain environment against the risks, both, environmental and human, caused by the severe overcrowding of the routes leading to the main Alpine summits. The choice between new buildings and the rehabilitation of existing refuges is currently a subject of debate in the Alps. The conference will focus on the Mont-Blanc area. Empirical observations in situ and confrontation between architectural and environmental considerations have raised specific issues. Nevertheless, this approach is applicable to other summits. In a theoretical contribution, architecture will be put forward as a main factor in the development of the mountain environment. The definitions of walking, landscape and territory scale will be seen as an integral part of the architectural project: contributing to the choice of the site, the shape and integration. In order to consider the design of the spaces, the right level of comfort, appropriate materials and atmosphere, and the human and environmental risks at high altitude and in extreme environments will be discussed. Particular attention will be paid to the Aiguille du Goûter refuge as a case study. As the overcrowding of the Mont-Blanc has considerable consequences on the environment and on human health, the architectural reflexions are aimed at answering the issue of environmental protection. The conclusion will evoke the limits of the project. The originality and interest of this contribution is to use architecture (implementation, typology and material) to address these issues and to examine site-specific solutions in order to protect a given environment.

2013

Architecture. A main factor of development and protection of the mountain environment

Estelle Lépine

The objective of this contribution is to show architecture as a major factor of development of the mountain environment against both environmental and human risks caused by the severe overcrowding of the routes leading to the main Alpine summits. The choice between new buildings and the rehabilitation of existing refuges is currently a subject of debate in the Alps. The conference will focus on the Mont-Blanc area. Empirical in situ observations and confrontation between architectural and environmental considerations have raised specific issues. Nevertheless, this approach is applicable to other summits. In a theoretical contribution, architecture will be put forward as a main factor in the development of the mountain environment. The definitions of walking, landscape and territorial scale will be seen as an integral part of the architectural project, contributing to the choice of the site, shape and integration. In order to consider the design of the spaces, we will look into the right level of comfort, appropriate materials and atmosphere, and the human and environmental risks at high altitude and in extreme environments. Particular attention will be given to the Aiguille du Goûter refuge as a case study. As the overcrowding of the Mont-Blanc has considerable consequences on the environment and on human health, the architectural reflexions are aimed at answering the issue of environmental protection. The conclusion will evoke the limits of the project. The originality and interest of this contribution is to use architecture (implementation, typology and material) to address these issues and to examine site-specific solutions in order to protect a given environment.

Salzburger Nationalparkfonds2013

Intégration des critères de durabilité dans le processus de conception des constructions temporaires à vocation événementielle

Loïc Vivien Fumeaux

Sustainability is a constant search for balance between the needs and the means implemented, which implies meeting the needs present without compromising those of generations to come. Later generations will indeed imperative to consider. So that their scope for action not be mortgaged by human activities of previous generations, it is necessary to provide some leeway, especially from the perspective of the built environment transmitted by inheritance. Alongside these general theoretical considerations, it is now observed a glaring mismatch between the rapidly changing socio-cultural practices and the very slow renewal of the built environment . Whether in the way to live or work , or occupy constructed in the need for research space flexibility , the frame is characterized by the notion of "impermanence" increasingly important, in contrast with the perennial character commonly accepted and implemented in current practices . Most buildings are built to last, but are part of a society where everything is changing rapidly and so are facing frequent shifting situations between form and function of spaces. In this context, the temporary architecture can therefore be a good potential to seek to meet the challenges of multiple time frames and offer a potential mutation. This architectural approach is thus fully in sustainability concerns mentioned above, since it aims to offer a potential for adaptation rather than fixed solutions. Aware of the extent of the issue and complexity of reflections on the question of the impermanence of the frame, especially in view of the nature of architectural practices, this work focuses specifically on a little explored area that day at the research for which the notion of temporality is short intrinsic data: the field of temporary constructions events vocation. Through an exploratory approach, research methodology convene an archetype of the temporary architectural design to examine it as an object of study that can ideally translate the challenges of a design associated with an approach based on time restricted use. The research first observed in detail these practices sometimes considered at the margin of the architectural discipline. The structured analysis of four representative case helps highlight their limitations in terms of sustainability. part of the research, evaluative approach includes the development of an assessment methodology, specifically adapted to this type of construction. The approach then proposes the development of an alternative solution, which optimizes its multiple performances in a perspective of sustainability and overall quality. Through an approach of "research by the project" an integrated design process (IDP), both interdisciplinary and participatory, is experienced first sketches to detailed development of a prototype. Finally, from the product of this reflection, research in general rises and explores many possibilities of using this new system. This approach allows to demonstrate the potential contribution of multiple functional areas, illustrating what could be the conceptual foundations of an "architecture of the event." The result is a research methodology both "multi-scale" and "multidisciplinary", which demonstrates the great potential for optimizing this type of construction and the need to achieve to grasp the design simultaneously at multiple scales and integrating all stakeholders.

EPFL2016

Intégration des critères de durabilité dans le processus de conception des constructions temporaires à vocation événementielle

Loïc Vivien Fumeaux

EPFL2016