The castle of Fontainebleau represents a strong heritage of French history. It is one of the most important royal residences in our country. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and classified as a historical monument, it tells part of the history of French architecture through the succession of kings of France, with Louis VII as a starting point. But it is with the arrival of Francis I that the castle will know its most important transformations. The diversity of the interventions of the successive kings offers to the castle a very particular framework with a stratification of a multitude of spaces, all different but united by a common History. In 2015, the master plan to enhance this heritage was launched. Therefore, the project of the redeployment of services takes place in this context and this exceptional setting.

«Place must prevail over function» The history of this project has seen a succession of architects (Adam Yedid, Terreneuve, Studio Kiraw) all linked by common ambitions. The work initiated by Adam Yedid first consisted of dealing with the project as a whole. It invites unity while declining according to its position within the castle. Each space has particular characteristics that must be understood.

The project proposes a multi-intervention program divided into four distinct areas: QRE : Relocation of external surveillance companies to the lower wing of the Republic District 

AMI : Redeployment of EPCF services to the Ministers' wing with the security headquarters and workshops (eastern part) 

AGA : Reconfiguration of the security headquarters and creation of public restrooms 

GPA : Rearrangement of the day quarters in the Queen Mothers wing

The project is being developed simultaneously with the intervention of Patrick Ponsot, (Chief Architect at Monuments Historiques) in charge of the castle estate, and his restoration work. The interior design, fundamentally contemporary, also aims for a thoughtful association with the spaces of the castle. The heritage study and dialogue with Patrick Ponsot set the tone to develop the choices of fittings and the reflection on colors and materials.

The work on materiality then takes on its full importance. The ambition is focused on the dialogue with the existing while affirming its contemporaneity. Thus, the use of mosaic echoes the sumptuous and richly decorated character of the castle. It comes in white for common spaces and in a dominant blue punctuated with golden tesserae near the Saint Louis rooms. The floor tiles, responding to the function of toilets and changing rooms, also dialogue with the place, as in the Republic District where the colors of the old cobblestones are found on the new coating laid. Each detail is finely worked in keeping with the enhancement of this very special place. The master of art Pierre Bonnefille assisted us in this process by creating contemporary paneling that complements the missing decorations.

These developments show the traces of the History of this site, telling visitors about the transformations of the past.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET :

CONTRACTING AUTHORITY EPCF ( Public Establishment of the Castle of Fontainebleau ) OPPIC ( Operator of Heritage and Real Estate Projects of the Culture )

PROJECT MANAGEMENT INTERIOR DESIGN Adam YEDID - Studio Kiraw - Terreneuve Design offices: BET TCE PARICA, Si Prev

PROJECT MANAGEMENT HISTORIC MONUMENTS Patrick PONSOT

MISSIONS Basic mission / Complementary mission : Synthesis, Furniture

TOTAL COST 4 M€ before tax 

SURFACE AREA 2 054 m2

PROGRAM Redeployment of the services of the Public Ins[tu[on of the Château de Fontainebleau - France 

SCHEDULE 2017-2021 

PHOTO CREDIT :  Nicolas Waltefaugle