Articles by Anna Dumitru

Context – In Tours, the Jean de la Fontaine school has undergone a complete makeover at the hands of the ALTA agency. Initiated by the municipality at the end of 2020, the call for tenders aimed at the demolition and reconstruction of this establishment built in the 1960s. In the northeast of the city, in a rapidly changing neighborhood, the existing school was part of a complex urban fabric characterized by a great heterogeneity of scales and building types. In addition to making the establishment and its surroundings more legible, ALTA’s project is a true homage to the architectural and natural heritage of the Loire region. The territory of Tours, traversed by the Loire and Cher rivers, is indeed marked by a strong vegetal presence: wooded hillsides, parks and landscaped areas, private and family gardens… This heritage, along with the layouts of the green and blue networks, forms one of the common threads that led the architects throughout this requalification project. Initiated in December 2022, the construction work was completed in April 2024 with the renovation of the existing gymnasium. In collaboration with the FAAR Paysage, landscapers, and new outdoor spaces were designed, combining ecological management and biodiversity enhancement with the intended outdoor uses for the schoolchildren.

Our project at Nærsnes, located 20 kilometers southwest of Oslo, comprises two distinct residences, designed to accommodate a son and his father, each providing independent living spaces while maintaining a sense of privacy.

Nestled along the serene Takaungu Creek, UA House epitomizes the seamless blend of historical influence and contemporary architectural practices. This 150 square meter limestone villa stands as a testament to sustainable living and thoughtful design, drawing inspiration from the rich Omani heritage that has shaped Coastal Kenya. UA House is thoughtfully organized around a series of landscaped courtyards, creating a harmonious flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. These courtyards not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also serve functional purposes, such as facilitating natural ventilation and providing serene retreats from the tropical sun.

Field Arts & Events Hall is a new performing arts and community gathering space on the city’s waterfront. The project celebrates local and regional artists, facilitates cultural enrichment in the area, and adds a new point of interest for visitors, entrepreneurs, and the local community. Adjacent to historic downtown Port Angeles, the building supports numerous arts organizations while enriching the lives of the broader community.

An abandoned Yacht Club, poised at the edge of the bay, sat derelict for years, all while bearing witness to the relentless coastal climate of Maine.  Built in 1919, it endured a series of interventions after the Club relocated in 1946. This resulted in the removal of much of the interior fabric and all that remained intact was the original Club Room.  It would require the right temperament and commitment to restore its historical memory while modernizing the early 20th-century structure.