Introduction

Jean-Pascal Flavien’s new house, entitled the make-up house, is all surface. Sheets of corrugated metal folded to create a sheltering space, the house is open to the elements, with a small area to inhabit—just enough space to put on some make-up. Equipped with a small desk, a mirror and a selection of cosmetics, special guests are invited to propose and make a maquillage for the house.

The project continues through 2023, as a number of new interventions will proceed to transform the make-up house. The recurring events are ephemeral, lasting from a day to a few weeks. The house will live the life of a surface, existing by making appearances. Simultaneously a person can make up their own face in a similar fashion. The first iteration took place in early November and was created by Josée Gensollen,  in December 2022 the second intervention was from Karl Holmqvist and in February 2023 Sam Chermayeff Office created the third public intervention.

Architectural discussions have long focused on form and function, whether a structure’s surface should reflect its construction process and/or its purpose. Flavien’s house takes another approach: drawing attention to the role surfaces play in daily life, fashion and building, focusing on the lightness created by the ephemeral. The make-up house will change according to the newest maquillage, its existence will be located in the eyes of others. Existing in the surface could be a motto for a building.

The make-up house is located on a construction site. Access is restricted to the immediate environs of the structure. Entrance to the site is at your own risk.

Das make-up house befindet sich auf einer Baustelle. Der Zugang ist auf die unmittelbare Umgebung des make-up house beschränkt. Das Betreten des Geländes erfolgt auf eigene Gefahr.