Kengo Kuma with PiM.studio Architects. For the design of the Galerie Piece Unique we have been equally inspired by the original gallery in Saint-Germain, and in a way, by the traditional Parisian architecture and materiality. The powerful concept of a single art piece becoming each time the entire exhibition inspired us to create a special design to complement this still very innovative exhibition approach. We divided the original space into two areas, recreating the size of the original Piece Unique gallery on the street side, and with a large glass façade, “la vitrine”, we wanted to emphasize the relationship between the street and the gallery space, the passer-by and the art exhibited inside: the sight of the artworks from the street is in fact an important aspect of the project.
The only additional element on the façade is a simple “bandeau” on top of the vitrine, a revisited approach to the traditional Parisian shop window, but emptied of any sign or graphics so as to eliminate any distractions from the simple act of enjoying the art when passing by on the trottoir. For the interiors, we created a rich and textured space by subtracting rather than adding new elements. We removed the finishes from the main walls and ceilings to reveal the naked beauty of the original architecture, in its roughness and in its material glory, leaving the wood of the ceiling and the stone on the walls exposed to be seen and touched.