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Allauch: the power plant becomes a cultural center
Commissioned in 1906, the power plant supplied electricity to Allauch and its surrounding areas. Closed in the 1960s, it fell into disuse, becoming inaccessible to visitors. The town of Allauch wanted to preserve this building, a symbol visible from the entrance to the village, in cultural hotspot. This has been a reality since October 2024, after 3 years of work and 5 million in investment.
The rehabilitation program for this example of 20th-century industrial architecture had to be multifaceted, as the renovated site was required to house a large library of over 1200 m², a 400 m² exhibition gallery, the new Maison du Tourisme, a coworking space "La Bobine," and a 100-seat auditorium. In this context, the size of the existing volumes and their dimensions advocated simplicity, favored common uses and shared spaces, and avoided the multiplication of entrances, both for operational, security, logistical, and accessibility reasons, as well as to preserve the buildings' identity. The architect, Philippe Donjerkovic, preserved the industrial character of the site as much as possible by letting in light.
This leading cultural space, a remarkable element of the community's heritage, was 80% funded by the Bouches-du-Rhône Department and the Ministry of Culture. It actively participates in the gradual revitalization of the historic center of Allauch, benefiting the local economic fabric, starting with shopkeepers, artisans, cafe owners, and restaurateurs. This wonderful dynamic will continue with the Marcel-Pagnol Museum, which will open its doors on the first floor of the building within 3 years and which, over 1200 m², will bring the works of the academician back to life, a stone's throw from the hills he magnified in his childhood memories.
