Avignon
in progress
A unique 8,200 m² facility in the heart of Avignon, dedicated to culture and the creative industries.
“The Villa Créative will be a major instrument in a partnership policy that contributes to all the university's major missions in the field of culture and the creative industries: research, training, professional integration, university life...”. Georges Linarés, President of Avignon Université
“The Villa Créative will offer a new and unique place where science, society and creation come together, providing a stimulating space for innovation and interdisciplinary reflection. It will stand out for its holistic approach, which encourages interaction between various fields of knowledge, leading to a deeper understanding of contemporary issues and better anticipation of future challenges.” Anne-Lise Rosier, Director, Villa Créative
Weaving together the arts, sciences and society.
The historic heritage site of the Villa Créative came to life in the 19th century by hosting the École normale d'institutrices du Vaucluse, then becoming, in 1891: the École normale d'instituteurs. During the First World War, it was converted into an auxiliary hospital to treat the wounded from the front before returning to its functions in the service of teacher training. Subsequently, in the early 1960s, the University of Avignon set up its Faculty of Sciences there until 2014. The place then became wasteland, the Festival d'Avignon invested the gardens - every summer, from 2015 to 2019, with the Ateliers de la pensée.
In January 2020, an extraordinary site rehabilitation project was undertaken in the heart of Avignon — carried out by Atelier(s) Alfonso Femia with DLAA Architectes — unique in its technicality, its financing and the unique partnership network inherent in it, in particular the commitment of all local authorities to the University of Avignon.
In spring 2025, the Villa Créative opens its doors!
As a place of experimentation at the crossroads of knowledge and know-how, and a meeting place and resource center for the arts, sciences and society, Villa Créative is committed to disseminating knowledge and showcasing the creative process for the arts and the scientific process for research.
A heritage showcase soon open to all.
Located in the heart of Avignon, the Villa Créative will take shape - as of next spring - in a building dating back to the 19th century and designed by departmental architect Louis Valentin.
The Ateliers d'Alfonso Fémia, a leading figure in Mediterranean architecture, together with dlaa architects, were entrusted with the rehabilitation of the Villa Créative historic site, after it had been cleared of pollutants, with a view to returning it to the people of Avignon.
They worked to preserve the building's heritage features, while respecting the new environmental constraints and the original design of the site. Continuing the project, two unique contemporary gestures will come to life as soon as the building opens: the gate of honor, specifically designed by the architect, and the recreation of the monumental staircase in a custom contemporary creation imagined for the Villa Créative.
The large-scale project brought together 30 companies working simultaneously to take up the challenge of rehabilitating 8,200 m² of gardens and heritage buildings.
duties
audit, benchmark, brand platform, story-telling
monitoring, research, prospective, cartography, editorial positioning, coordination
strategic direction, conception / writing of speaking engagements, communication plan, media planning, operational implementation, influence (targeting, press and public relations - and mediation - promotion, partnerships
consulting and action centers: monitoring, research, mapping, financing, fundraising, prospecting, call for projects, competitions and applications, networking, partnerships