The commission

In order to contribute towards a better image of their organization and their neighborhood, the staff and users of the Soubise community center decided to commission an artist for a contemporary work. The art work was to satisfy a dual need - on the one hand, improve the public entrance and lobby and the way visitors were greeted and on the other, to make the center more visible and attractive with a "signal" of some sort.

The artwork

Patrice Carré looked into two specific aspects of the Community center: its name "Soubise" which made him think of the Soubise sauce; and its architectural aspect within Soubise road. For the ceiling, le Patrice Carré created a light work which played on the geometrical forms of the ingredients of the Soubise sauce.

The entrance lobby was taken into consideration in its entirety and the artist suggested that the walls and ceiling be painted white, that the linoleum be replaced and that furniture should be designed specifically for the space: desk, stools, shelves, table and that the information board be re-thought.

In order to make up for the lack of natural light, Patrice Carré suggested that the façade be replaced. He designed a metal structure with glass panels which played on the architectural vocabulary of traditional craftsman workshops.

A neon sign, taking up the recipe of the Sauce and the title "Maison de quartier Soubise" in metal letters was installed on the new façade.

The artist

Born in 1957 in Angers, Patrice Carré studied at the Fine arts school in Caen. He lives and works in Marseille where he also teaches at the Fine Arts school. He privileges no specific medium but generally works on installations, manipulating everyday objects and light, and is interested notably in built forms.