This competitor presented a project that, at first glance, captured the attention of the jury. Its exuberance, dynamism and plasticity reveal a strong personality, capable of creating a work full of character and originality, but with an individualism that is reluctant to fit into the frameworks of an environment where other personalities can still express themselves. "It would be impossible for other buildings to live in peace and harmony in its surroundings".
With more disciple, that is, acceptance of society and understanding of the urban setting, as the program attempted to describe it, it seems that this competitor could have won.
The architecture is appealing. "It is individualistic, dramatic and whimsical, but filled with plastic invention..." This architecture wants to be indigenous, it is exotic.
"This quality of extreme formalism belongs to another era. The general organization of the plan, not very explicit, makes it impossible to appreciate the efficiency of the operation. The Council Chamber, very generous and well expressed, takes all the interest: the symbol replaces the subject. In spite of this, the City Hall occupies almost the entire site proposed for the entire civic center, and we note the inadequacy of the other planned amenities, although some freedom is granted in their interpretation, and especially the impossibility of their realization by other architects.
The scale and character of the City have, it seems to us, been misunderstood. One can conceive of this City Hall surrounded by plush bungalows, in a small, comfortable municipality, or again: "a country club, in its isolated splendor..."
The magnificent presentation, lacks simplicity, if not veracity. One gets the impression that there is a big gap between the realization and the drawings: compromises to fit the budget, some elements that contribute to the character but would necessarily be sacrificed.
The competition asked for sufficient sketches to express a thought, but here the drawings are quite extensive and consequently decisive; unfortunately, too much in the realm of fiction.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
