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Antoine
BUREAU
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Antoine is an alpine shelter that seamlessly integrates into its environment, serving as a discreet refuge that honors the Swiss tradition of hidden bunkers. Positioned on a precarious rock fall field, the shelter blends with its surroundings, offer- ing a minimalist retreat with only essential architectural ele- ments—a fireplace, bed, table, stool, and window. This stark simplicity challenges its visitors to reflect on the concept of “Existenzminimum,” minimal living that is not only functional but also subversive, embodying the vulnerability and isolation inherent in the extreme conditions of the Alps. The design is a tribute to the alpine experience, deeply inspired by Swiss cultural history and the writings of Charles-Ferdinand Ra- muz, particularly his novel Derborence. In this work, Ramuz narrates the harrowing survival story of a man trapped under rocks after a catastrophic fall in the Lizerne Valley. Much like the protagonist of Derborence, the shelter’s design under- scores the fragile relationship between human existence and the overwhelming force of nature. Commissioned by the Ver- bier 3D Foundation, Antoine was self-built during a six-week residency, following the principles of architecture-sculpture as defined by artist André Bloc and further developed by Claude Parent. The project merges the realms of art and architec- ture, positioning the shelter as an inhabited sculpture that challenges traditional perceptions of both art and refuge. The integration of military camouflage principles, as discussed by philosopher Paul Virilio in 1975, adds another layer of intrigue, creating a structure that invites its occupants to take risks while finding shelter.
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