Le Scriptorial d’Avranches

This edifice is an event, a happening in and of itself, and certainly one worthy of a visit in conjunction with any tour of the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel. In fact, the inspiration of the architects for their design was initially conceived from the many interesting artifacts actually contained within the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel. In the intention of encouraging your deeper appreciation of this fascinating and mysterious monument, and thereby prompting a visit, I am sharing the highlights of the design concept of The Scriptorial, d’Avranches, le musee des manucrits du Mont-Saint Michel, as explained to me in an interview by Jean-Michel Daubourg of Paris. Daniel Cleris and Jean Michel Daubourg are architects who specialize in museum design. Their passion involves featuring monuments which educate about the history and culture of France.

The Historical Relationship of the Monument to the Site

This museum sits sublimely within the historical section of the city, and is encircled within the medieval wall that surrounds the castle and the town of Avranches. One can readily observe that the intention of the design of the museum is to respect and enhance the value of the medieval remains, defense walls and ancient cellar. Furthermore, the architects perceived the value of reconnecting two parts of the city that had previously been separated. The placement of this new structure correctly complies with a historical tradition of situating medieval structures within a wall of defense, while permitting a pedestrian path primarily for soldiers directly along the inside of the wall.

The vaulted cellar from a medieval house which was conserved on the site has also been restored and integrated into the project. Access to the museum is given from the plaza by way of a tower and bridge spanning above the first wall of defense.

The Urban Integration

The plan partie of the project consists of three distinct entities: The plaza, the walls of defense and the museum, itself. The museum is inscribed within a triangle which is delineated by the rue de Geôle and two recently rediscovered ancient walls. The composition integrates itself into the slope of the site by means of a set of ramps, which also delineates the spinal column of the project.

The roofs are composed of indigenous blue-grey slate, the omnipresent construction material which characterizes the architecture of the region of Avranches. The roofs adhere to the design of the slope of the ramps, permitting the museum its optimal integration within the urban scale, and continually reflecting the declivity of the city.

The barren walls of concrete are designed by the use of a minimalist treatment of the material, which mirrors the austerity of the Abbey. Although the walls are of rough texture, they have been carefully crafted, not only on their surface, but also in their geometry

The natural lighting of the museum is extraordinarily dramatic in the way it has been skilfully manipulated. As the source flows from above, the design of the lighting clearly alludes to religious symbolism and the spiritualism inherent in the Abbey of Mont Saint Michel.

The Concept of Spiral Ascension and Effect of Gyration

To recapitulate, the visitor is invited to ascend the ramps of the museum from the level of the plaza. The psychological implication of mounting a series of ramps to arrive at a particular destination is obvious; but in combination with the ascension, one recognizes the sense of rotation. In climbing from one ramp to another, there is the undeniable realization that one is turning, so that in tandem with the phenomenon of upward progression, there is also the experience of a spiral trajectory.

The Design Encasing a Treasure

At the moment of entering the doors of the museum, one can definitely discern spatial disorientation. Not only the exterior fenestration, but also the openings from one interior space into another have been designed to maximize the effect of surprise! This element of surprise is particularly exploited as the visitor anticipates the ultimate focal point, that of “The Treasure” in the book tower. Occasional glimpses of the tower containing the “Treasure” can be perceived through several thin slots along the processional; however, an unobstructed view of it is impossible until the summit has been attained. At that time the visitor finds himself standing just before the entrance to the book tower.

The Discovery of the Treasure

The entire museum has been skilfully designed around a central focus: “The Treasure”. “The Treasure” is the display of masterpieces, precisely entailing a collection of original manuscripts from the 10th century. Arrival at the “Treasure” is a time to pause and respire. It represents a moment of hesitation before the revelation of the penultimate. Indeed, the space of the processional is surrounded in solemnity. The only accentuation is that of the distinct rhythm of the ascension and from furtive glances of the “Treasure” that one might perceive along the passage.

At last, as in the analogy of “the body”, one discovers “the body of the text”, the divine element. “The Tower of Books” contains the quintessence of the entire architectural design. This “Treasure Trove” is crowned by a crystalline roof of tinted glass which effusively showers the outside walls with hues of light in accordance with the colors of the manuscripts contained within the sacred space.

Analogy: The Sacred and The Profane

As can be repeatedly observed in many historical manuscripts and paintings of the Middle Ages, the arch is employed to symbolize the heavens. The arch, of sacred and celestial nature is juxtaposed with rectangular forms, which are symbolic of earthly, profane elements. In Medieval art, the presence of the arch often symbolizes a crowning of the heavens, over which floated an ensemble of sloping roofs. The analogy of the sacred and the profane in this project is thereby established. The vaulted dome, the superimposed floors and floating roofs are perfectly integrated with regard to the manuscripts of Mont Saint Michel in the handsome Le Scriptorial d’Avranches.

Address: Hôtel de Ville

Code 50302 postal: 50302

Ville : AVRANCHES

Adventurous spirit at heart, Mitzi is oginally from the rock and roll music capital, Austin, Texas. She has pushed her way around the globe from an eleven year sejour in Paris to currently teaching in Asia. Although a hopeless Francophile, she can now be found in Vietnam, where she is writing and teaching English. For her complete bio, click here.

Comments (6)