Jean-Maxime Labrecque: Inhabitable Sculpture

Reducing a space to its industrial origins, the Canadian architect has inserted a sculptural piece of furniture made of raw aluminum, inspired by Donald Judd's work, inside an apartment: its diverse modules combine all living functions.

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Montréal-based architect Jean-Maxime Labrecque has completed the renovation of an apartment interior, a project which is the result of four years of work executed by numerous fabrication and installation teams. Labrecque worked under the client-established premises of creating "a space that people will find cold" and "living in an art gallery."

Thus the space was emptied down to its original industrial concrete walls, floors, and ceilings, and a sculptural piece of furniture made of raw aluminum — inspired by Donald Judd's work — was installed. Its modules combine all of the dwelling's functions: bed, walk-in closet, bookshelf, sofa, counter, stools, kitchen, and storage.

Dominating the space, this aluminium volume creates a room within the main space, via a system of suspended sliding doors attached only at the top. The resulting "corridor of arches" gives access to the walk-in closet.

A technical glass block contains appliances, storage, and the water heater, and an old concrete vault houses the bathroom. The 3 x 3 metre bathroom is entirely finished in black, with full-height and -width mirrors on one of its walls creating a sensation of what the architect deems "absorbed vastness."

Top and above: Jean-Maxime Labrecque, Inhabitable Sculpture, interior renovation of an apartment, Montréal 2011

Jean-Maxime Labrecque, Inhabitable Sculpture, interior renovation of an apartment, Montréal 2011

Time Space Existence: the Future of Architecture In Venice

Until November 23, 2025, Venice is the global hub for architectural discussion with "Time Space Existence." This biennial exhibition, spearheaded by the European Cultural Centre, features projects from 52 countries, all focused on "Repairing, Regenerating, and Reusing" for a more sustainable future.