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Origin and history

These two houses with axial portico and aluminium walls were designed by architect Jean Prouvé in 1953, as part of a commission from the Ministry of Reconstruction and Urbanism. They were built on an experimental basis in Tourcoing, during the post-World War II reconstruction. Their design reflects research on economic and modular social housing, a response to the urgent needs of the time.

In September 1996, one of the pavilions was destroyed by fire, while the other lost its original furniture, also designed by Prouvé. Despite this damage, the two buildings were protected in 1995 as historical monuments, as major witnesses of post-war social architecture. The burning house was rebuilt and re-opened in July 1999, preserving this unique heritage.

The pavilions, located at 97 and 99 rue du Général-Marchand, illustrate Prouvé's industrial and functional approach. Their protection covers both their structure and their symbolic role in the history of collective habitat. Today, they are privately owned and remain an emblematic example of the architectural experiments of the Thirty Gloryes, combining technical innovation and response to social challenges.

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