La Formation

In the 19th century – as its name suggests – this building served as a training center and staff service for the Parc des Ateliers. It also housed the design offices where engineers, draughtsmen, and workshop managers worked. 

While the building’s limestone and natural stucco façade was restored to its original state, the interior of La Formation was transformed by Selldorf Architects to meet the needs of the LUMA Arles program.

The addition of two floors to the original two-story structure considerably increased the surface area.

Accordion-style glass doors on the south façade now connect the living room to the surrounding landscape.

A central steel staircase provides access to the artists’ shared living spaces, which are furnished with innovative materials created by Atelier LUMA.

The pre-existing terrazzo staircase has been preserved and now provides direct entrance to the second floor, in order to guarantee public access to the dance program while respecting the privacy of the living spaces. The original solid spruce trusses have been rebuilt and completed with a new floor.

Inspired by its original use, La Formation was redesigned as an artists' residences. The individual working and living spaces for the artists consist of bedrooms and a living area. A large shared living room and a kitchen were created on the ground floor of the building. On the second floor, there is now a multi-purpose room designed, among other things, for rehearsals of live performances. It hosted Benjamin Millepied’s L.A. Dance Project company, from 2016 to 2019, as well as choreographer Nacera Belaza and dancer Cécilia Bengolea in 2020.