Image courtesy of MVRDV Architects

Folie Richter by MVRDV Architects

Since the 18th Century, the follies of Montpellier have been markers for the architectural history of the city. The Follies helped to add new ways of living, new features, new programs in the city, giving it a significant value and broadening its appeal for both residents and visitors. Follies of the 21st Century are an opportunity to affirm the centrally metropolitan Montpellier while reaffirming its commitment to creativity, innovation and architectural audacity, forming new urban landmarks whilst providing added value to the city.

Image courtesy of MVRDV Architects

They are objects that are therefore used as reflections of the innovative attitude of the city. What Follie should be built in the 21st Century? What story shall it tell and how? How could this form react with the site, with its neighbourhood and its territory? Could we reflect, in some way, the current state of urban Montpellier? To achieve these ambitions, it is necessary to create a collection representing qualities and intrinsic values of each: social, formal, relational. A series of neighbourhoods is imagined: patio homes, houses on the street, collective houses with communal areas and gardens houses.

Image courtesy of MVRDV Architects

One can imagine one, two or three levels, of different sizes, from one to twenty houses. And they may have different appearances, different facades and different gardens. A true collection that can adjust to market demand and to attract different people. This collection of neighbourhoods is also programmatic – the developed program is a mix of activities; student halls, medium to high price housing, all catering to a mixture of generations and social groups. The program is organized into clear and recognizable entities forming neighbourhoods and promoting social and community cohesion. The tower expresses the individuality of each volume and diversity (shape, surface, different orientation).

Image courtesy of MVRDV Architects

The building becomes a multifaceted image of the city of Montpellier, which is also composed of various cells. Stacking these neighbourhoods with each other, creates outdoor spaces, gardens, squares and terraces. The overall result is a vertical village. Breaks between volumes bring in natural light and views which sometimes lead to collective terraces. The different neighbourhoods are articulated in different colours ensuring that each programme is visually enhanced and easily identified. The integration of the building into its environment is a decisive factor in the creation of public space. The tower is anchored to the neighbourhood by its ground floor which focuses shops, activities and inputs of housing.

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