The region of Menton, on the Mediterranean coast near Monaco / Nice, is one of France’s best kept secrets when it comes to natural beauty and architectural heritage. The region also holds a special place in the history of modern architecture.    

This three-day AIA Europe Architecture and Urbanism Conference will explore the relationship between architecture, nature, and the modern movement. Participants will visit the Cap Moderne, an important cultural site containing a set of mythical architectural icons in surroundings of outstanding natural beauty. The architects and historians responsible for the restoration and protection of the the Cap Moderne will lecture and give guided visits to Eileen Gray’s Villa E-1027, Le Corbusier’s Cabanon and Holiday Cottages, and the bar-restaurant Etoile de Mer overlooking the Mediterranean sea. Conference participants will also learn about the region’s exceptional gardens with visits to several including Les Colombières (Ferdinand Bac’s Mediterranean Masterpiece), Serre de la Madone Garden (Conservatoire du Littoral), and others.

The conference will further expose participants to exceptional contemporary architecture of the region, with a private viewing and aperitif at the Jean Cocteau Museum designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti and the work of several notable young architectural practices who have recently drawn international recognition.  

*Registration opens February 1st, 2017. A detailed conference description and program will be published then.

http://www.aiaeurope.org/upcoming-conferences/2017/5/5/nice-menton-cap-martin-spring-2017