An olfactory journey to Antonypole-Wissous Centre station with Julie C. Fortier and Ateliers 2/3/4/

| Grand Paris Express – Tandem Artist – Architect : ‘per fumar, the breath of light |

As part of the 2024 European Heritage Days, the Société des grands projets opened the Antonypole – Wissous Centre station worksite to the public for a day of exceptional visits.

Visitors were also able to discover the project by Julie C. Fortier and Ateliers 2/3/4/, represented by Eric Puzenat. Alongside Olivier R.P. David, a lecturer and researcher in organic chemistry at the University of Versailles – Paris Saclay, the artist and architect presented the architectural concept and the stages in the creation of the kinetic and olfactory work that will stretch from the station forecourt to the platforms.

On the station’s brick façade, a dynamic pattern of volutes created using projecting or recessed bricks will incorporate areas of moucharabieh that will act as sunshades in front of the concourse and ventilate the technical rooms. The motifs on the façade will change according to the light, echoing the wisps of perfume in the olfactory section of this evolving work.

Continuing her work, Julie C. Fortier has developed an olfactory work that will be installed in the heart of the station. Eight scent diffusers placed in different parts of the station will accompany passengers from the concourse to the platforms. Each diffuser will release its own scent, created by the artist in consultation with the residents of Antony, at six key times of the day.

The Songes et Soucis performance will mark the start of the creation of the eight fragrances in January 2025.

A call for volunteers will be launched in December 2024 to take part in the performance, which will be a ‘workshop open to residents invited to share olfactory memories linked to the area. Using ingredients and perfume absolutes, the artist will translate them into drawings. Each participant will be able to take his or her drawing home’, as the Société des Grands Projets explains.

In all, 2,832 square meters of the interior and exterior facades of this ‘levitating’ station will be transformed by these olfactory encounters and evanescent motifs.

A new experience of travel, between scent and light, like a moment suspended in space and time.

And to find out more, listen to Julie C. Fortier on Thomas Etcheberry’s programme C’est quoi c’chantier:

Antonypôle (92) : une gare qui a du nez – France Bleu

Owner: Société des grands projets

Owner: Ateliers 2/3/4/, Architect, Member of the Icare consortium

BET TCE: Ingérop, Member and leader of the Icare consortium

Contractor: Bouygues Bâtiment Ile-de-France Bouygues Construction

And many others.