On the University campus in Lausanne, La Grange reveals its new multifunctional foyer designed by Studio Julia Christ, that gathers students artists, performers and the public in a vibrant atmosphere. A student hangout during the day, La Grange is also a cultural venue that brings theatre and stage performance enthusiasts together after dark. 

In this centre dedicated to art and experimentation, artists, researchers and the public can dream up new forms of expression together. In keeping with these new ambitions, Studio Julia Christ has designed a lively and inspiring setting. Open to students, artists and the public alike, the modular space imagined by the architect gives pride of place to the arts, the stage and exhibitions. At the heart of this new ideas incubator, the foyer is dressed with bright colours and geometric lines, a symbol of the creative dynamism of its spaces. 

Julia Christ has defined several distinct areas, highlighting the stage and creating an exhibition area, while ensuring that the atmosphere is welcoming, both for the students who come to work and the culture connoisseurs who gather here in the evenings. The architect has given depth to the room by playing with perspectives. She has darkened the ceiling, chosen dark blue velvet curtains to frame the rostrum and illuminated the arches in bright yellow to guide the audience’s eye towards the stage, spotlighting the artists or actors. Existing materials have been showcased to retain La Grange’s authenticity; the floors were sanded and the walls remains almost intact. As a centrepiece, the bar is adorned with a colourful mural, the signature of Studio Julia Christ.

 Following a custom-made pattern layout, the different sized and coloured tiles are juxtaposed to create an impressive graphic effect that breathes movement into the space. The bright primary colours are a nod to the avant-garde experimentation of the De Stijl art movement. With architectural curves, the high chairs, further away from the rostrum, allow the audience to keep an eye on the lively goings-on on stage. 

Natural and understated tones have been chosen for the furniture to dress up this space where artistic performances prevail. In the lounge corner, everything has been designed for university life: a common space for ideas and discussions to spring up, where opinions can be shared and exchanged, and books come courtesy of the communal library. Enhancing creativity, this lively space fosters exchanges between the arts scene, the academic world and the public.