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Building à Bordeaux en Gironde

Gironde

Building

    55 Quai Richelieu
    33000 Bordeaux

Timeline

Temps modernes
Révolution/Empire
XIXe siècle
Époque contemporaine
1700
1800
1900
2000
1729
Jacques Gabriel's initial projects
1731
Construction of Customs wharf
1746
Approval of jurats
1748
Completion of the monumental perspective
14 avril 1951
Front protection and roofing
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui

Heritage classified

The façade and roof (Case R 234; HE 0065): inscription by decree of 14 April 1951

Key figures

Jacques Gabriel - Architect Designed the first projects in 1729.
Claude Boucher - Host Obtained the approval of the jurats in 1746.
Aubert de Tourny - Host Relaunched the project in 1748.
Ange-Jacques Gabriel - Architect Finish the perspective with Tourny.

Origin and history

The idea of a royal square and a uniform façade along the banks of the Garonne in Bordeaux has gradually emerged. In 1729, architect Jacques Gabriel proposed three projects, then built in 1731 the Quai de la Douane and its facades. This initial project, supported by intendant Claude Boucher, was approved in 1746 by the jurats for the creation of a first dock.

When Boucher died, intendant Aubert de Tourny took over the project with Ange-Jacques Gabriel, son of Jacques Gabriel. In 1748 they realized a homogeneous monumental perspective, extending the Place Royale (now the Place de la Bourse) towards the river. The facades, organized on the ground floor with arcades, two square floors and attic at La Mansard, are decorated with slits and sculptures.

The arcades, originally designed to unify the ensemble, now house shops, sometimes altering their integrity. Despite the disappearance of some wrought iron balconies, the facades retain their character thanks to their original frames and lamers. The building of 55 quai Richelieu, whose facade and roof have been protected since 1951, illustrates this classic architectural ordinance.

This project is part of an urban plan to modernize Bordeaux in the 18th century, combining royal prestige and port functionality. The docks, conceived as a monumental showcase, reflect the influence of the Lights on urban planning, combining aesthetics and public utility.

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