Collection by Allie Weiss

French Archives Building Wrapped in a Dazzling Gold Shell

A renovation of the Marne departmental archives in Reims, France by Hamonic + Masson & Associés resulted in a golden annex that drastically expands archival storage space, while adding a modern face to a space geared toward the past.

The aluminum sheets were printed in five patterns, which were then overlapped to create additional texture.
The aluminum sheets were printed in five patterns, which were then overlapped to create additional texture.
The metallic motif continues indoors. Large expanses of glass let light in, which plays against the reflective ceiling, walls, and floors.
The metallic motif continues indoors. Large expanses of glass let light in, which plays against the reflective ceiling, walls, and floors.
Another view of the gold interior.
Another view of the gold interior.
Glass walls surrounding the interior courtyard make the entire layout of the center visible from within.
Glass walls surrounding the interior courtyard make the entire layout of the center visible from within.
Colorful accents puncture the interior.
Colorful accents puncture the interior.
Bright, light-filled rooms around the edge of the building offer comfortable spaces to view artifacts.
Bright, light-filled rooms around the edge of the building offer comfortable spaces to view artifacts.