31-31bis rue Campagne-Première, Historic residential building in Montparnasse, Paris, France
31-31bis rue Campagne-Première is a four-level residential building with reinforced concrete structure and brick infill, characterized by extensive glass and metal elements. It features double-level apartments with two separate entrances and contains a central courtyard that separates the street-facing facade from the rear section.
The building was completed in 1911 by architect André Arfvidson and combines modern construction techniques with artistic design elements. Its innovative facade design received recognition at the Paris exhibition of 1912, marking its importance to early twentieth-century architecture.
The building served as a gathering place for artists from around the world who established their studios within its walls. The spaces allowed creators to live and work simultaneously, making it a center of artistic activity during the early twentieth century.
The building can be viewed from the street, where you can see the elaborate facade and main entrance from the pavement. The best time to photograph it is during daylight hours, when natural light highlights the details of the ceramic and glass elements.
The facade features handcrafted ceramic stoneware by Alexandre Bigot that creates color contrasts and integrates seamlessly with windows, cornices, and ornamental friezes. These ceramic decorations make it a rare example where craftsmanship and modern architecture merge.
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