The Blagnac Conservatoire of Music and Dance in France, designed by ppa architectures, is an exceptional example of contemporary architecture. It embodies the idea of being both a traditional and modern instrument, like a cello and synthesizer. The facility is designed to be open and adaptable, reorganizing public spaces around it. The conservatoire is located at the southern limit of a large park facing the high school in Blagnac’s Andromède district.
The conservatoire’s layout reflects an inward-facing organization for educational purposes, but it’s also open to the public. The upper floor of the main building contains all music teaching rooms, arranged in a flexible and fluid manner. Meanwhile, the dance studios are located on the ground floor, facing the gardens to the north. The center of the building features a large, double-height volume, forming a flexible public space that houses an auditorium equipped with a mobile double backdrop on the hall side.
The project’s structure and envelope are simple and stringent, with visible materiality. The main two-story volume of the building is organized structurally around the center of the project. Two concentric ‘enclosures’ of pierced walls in reinforced concrete support the first-floor and roof structures. The dance studio, on the other hand, is entirely built in raw concrete, visible on the facade. Pleats of acoustic panelling in untreated timber cover the walls and ceiling of the hall and auditorium.
The conservatoire’s design is both efficient and adaptable. It serves as an instrument for teaching music and dance, while also being a space that stimulates and adapts to new practices. The Blagnac Conservatoire is an excellent example of contemporary architecture that embraces traditional values and innovative design principles. It offers a flexible and open space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, inviting people to interact and engage with the facility.
Furthermore, the project aims to create an open and accessible public space for the community. The design of the conservatoire incorporates public spaces, such as the forecourt, gardens, and walkways, which serve as an extension of the public domain. The project integrates itself seamlessly into the surrounding landscape and responds to the context of the site. It is not only an educational establishment but also a cultural and social hub that serves the local community.
The conservatoire’s design is a testament to the architects’ attention to detail and their focus on creating a functional and efficient space for music and dance education. The layout of the building allows for a seamless flow between the different areas of the conservatoire, while also providing a central space that serves as the heart of the building. The auditorium and the double-height volume in the center of the building provide a flexible and adaptable space that can accommodate different stage setups and reflect the evolution of teaching and practice in music and dance.
In conclusion, the Blagnac Conservatoire is an innovative and functional space that serves as a platform for music and dance education. The architects have successfully designed a building that not only meets the functional requirements of an educational establishment but also responds to the context of the site and the needs of the local community. The conservatoire’s design incorporates public spaces, flexible teaching rooms, and a central space that can adapt to different stage setups, making it a versatile space for music and dance education. The project is a testament to the architects’ attention to detail and their focus on creating a functional and efficient space that meets the needs of its users.
Technical Sheets
Program: Construction of the Blagnac Music and Dance Conservatory
Location: Boulevard Alain Savary, Blagnac (31)
Client: City of Blagnac
Surface area: 3,411 sqm
Cost: €7.17 million
Delivery date: January 2022
Architect: ppaâ—architectures
Landscape architect: Emma Blanc
Engineering firms: Terrell, Soconer, Itud, Lamoureux Acoustique, Execo, Techni-cité Urbaine
Photographer: Sylvain Mille
