理查德·罗杰斯绘图画廊

The Richard Rogers Drawing Gallery, occupying 120 square meters, is a simple, orthogonal rectangle, measuring four meters high and five meters wide. With the exception of floor-to-ceiling glass at each end, the walls are completely opaque, directing the visitor's gaze into the gallery and presenting unique and unexpected perspectives.

The gallery is located on the Lacoste estate, which covers 200 hectares, of which 130 hectares are vineyards. It combines contemporary art, architecture and wine production, and is connected by winding paths.

After years of discussing potential projects, Richard Rogers personally selected the gallery's site in 2017, visiting with the client. The chosen site is a secluded, sloping site nestled along an isolated dirt road, nestled among dense trees. However, as the highest point within the development, it offers unique and spectacular views over Château Lacoste and the surrounding Provence region.

To minimize disruption to the natural landscape and the slope of the site, the design decision was made to allow the building to lightly hover above the ground. The design concept quickly evolved into a simple structure that dramatically cantilevers into the tree canopy.

The gallery is entered via a lightweight bridge, gently anchored to the ground and responsive to movement, designed to elicit a sense of transition from solid earth into a more dynamic architectural structure. At the end of the bridge, an outdoor terrace offers an intimate connection with nature.

The gallery space features white walls and ceilings, and its open-plan layout allows for flexibility, accommodating a range of future temporary exhibitions. Air conditioning utilizes an underfloor system with low-level supply and high-level return air. The main supply ducts extend along the gallery's exterior and back to a discreet machine room in a separate building.

Due to the remote location, the design required limited dimensions for the building's components to facilitate transport to the site. Consequently, the primary structural frame was exposed, with particular emphasis on joint and component detailing. Painted in a striking orange, the frame contrasts sharply with the clean, stainless steel-clad gallery box.