The architecture of Les Arcs was spearheaded by Charlotte Perriand and a visionary collective. Designed to blend into the landscape and respect natural constraints, it places people at the heart of the project. Discover the principles and creators that shaped this iconic identity.
THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ARCHITECTURE
Architecture that harmonizes with the landscape
Les Arcs was born out of a deep desire to preserve the natural landscape. Guy Rey-Millet summed up this approach with this evocative phrase: "Building on a pristine site demands great humility." This founding principle guided the entire team of architects, led by Charlotte Perriand, toward a respectful and subtle integration of the buildings into the pristine site. As the architects explain: “We don’t occupy the plateau; where there are alpine chalets, we position ourselves behind them, we contemplate them: we don’t build in the most beautiful spot.”
The landscape, the true guiding thread, inspired buildings that follow the natural curves of the terrain. Each building blends discreetly into its surroundings, highlighting the site’s raw beauty. This pioneering approach makes Les Arcs a model of mountain architecture, harmoniously combining nature and architectural innovation while preserving the authenticity and soul of the place.
Adapting to Constraints
The architects faced numerous constraints, including the site’s complex topography and harsh climatic conditions. They adopted innovative solutions to adapt to these challenges, using local materials and appropriate construction techniques. This approach made it possible to create durable and resilient structures while minimizing the environmental impact.
Adapting to constraints also led to a unique architectural style, characterized by bold shapes and clean lines. The buildings are designed to withstand strong winds and heavy snowfall, while offering comfort and functionality to users. This ability to turn challenges into opportunities is at the heart of Les Arcs’ architectural success.
People and Architecture
People are at the heart of architecture, both as creators and as users. The designers of Les Arcs have always placed people at the center of their concerns, creating functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Architecture must not only blend into the landscape but also meet the needs and aspirations of those who live and work there.
The buildings are designed to foster a sense of community, interaction, and sharing. The interior spaces are flexible and adapted to contemporary lifestyles, while the outdoor spaces encourage contemplation and respect for nature. This human-centered approach to architecture is one of the keys to the success of Les Arcs, where people and their environment are in harmony.
THE CREATORS
“Les Arcs is the result of teamwork.”
The resort of Les Arcs is the result of a visionary project, born from the minds of a group of forward-thinking, highly creative, and dedicated men and women. Discover the pioneers who shaped the spirit of Les Arcs.
Roger Godino
1930–2019 | Developer and co-founder of Les Arcs.
Roger Godino developed the concept of a “resort enterprise” in Les Arcs, integrating both winter and summer seasons. He sought to “offer a new humanistic approach to vacations by providing, in the mountains and within a setting of great beauty, an opportunity for personal, athletic, and cultural development, in an atmosphere of freedom and at affordable prices.”
Robert Blanc
1933–1980 | High-Mountain Guide – Co-founder of Les Arcs
As the eldest son of a farming family from Hauteville-Gondon, Robert Blanc dreamed of transforming the mountain pastures of his childhood into a ski resort. In Courchevel, he met Roger Godino and the team from the Atelier d’Architecture en Montagne. Together, they sketched out the vision for the major Les Arcs project. He contributed his extensive knowledge of the mountains to the development of the ski area. As the resort’s director, he was, along with Pierre Gruneberg, the driving force behind the development of progressive skiing and new snow sports that would make Les Arcs famous in the 1980s.
“Without Robert Blanc, I would never have created Les Arcs. He was the one who showed me the site and sold me his share of the dream."
—Roger Godino
Charlotte Perriand
1903–1999 | Architect and Designer
A leading figure in 20th-century architecture and design, Charlotte Perriand quickly developed an interest in the relationship between people and their living environments. Born into a Savoyard family, she retained from her roots an unwavering love for the mountains and the great outdoors. In Les Arcs, she was the driving force behind the group of architects she inspired with her creative
power. “She arrived just in time to give us the courage to take risks.
”—Roger Godino
Bernard Taillefer
1931–2002 | Architect
Known by the nickname “Tallaut,” he was self-taught. Trained as a cabinetmaker and a member of the Compagnons du Tour de France, he worked in several trades before settling in Les Arcs. Roger Godino entrusted him with designing the plans for the Chalets Pointus. After becoming a licensed architect in 1982, he designed the Villards and Charmettoger neighborhoods as well as the Arc 2000 resort.
Atelier d’Architecture en Montagne (A.A.M.)
The Atelier d’Architecture en Montagne—an architectural and urban planning firm—was born out of the development of the Courchevel resort, the first resort built on a virgin site. Roger Godino entrusted them with the task of conducting studies of the various sites for the development of his resort. The firm defined the locations of the three Les Arcs sites: Arc 1600, Arc 1800, and Arc 2000.
Guy Rey-Millet
1929–2017 | Architect
He helped found the A.A.M. alongside Denys Pradelle. As early as 1960, he surveyed the Les Arcs area with Robert Blanc and would become one of the lead architects for this new project. A lover of the mountains and a humanist, he envisioned architecture in harmony with nature and the landscape.
Gaston Regairaz
1930–2013 | Architect
A former high school classmate of Roger Godino, the developer of Les Arcs. As an architect and urban planner, he implemented the master plan for Arc 1600 in collaboration with Guy Rey-Millet and Charlotte Perriand. For nearly 10 years, he coordinated the construction of the large residential complexes in Arc 1800 (Pierra Menta, Lauzières, Nova…).
Pierre Faucheux
1924–1999“Typographer and architect, creator of spaces and objects, inventor of structures and typefaces—my profession is to innovate. ” Pierre Faucheux was invited by Charlotte Perriand to join the Les Arcs team.
“Pierre Faucheux [...] brought us his marvel, his passion, a small model representing his ‘dome,’ designed around a wooden framework [...]. From this framework [...] was born the brilliant Les Arcs logo.”
—Charlotte Perriand / A Life of Creation
Robert Rebutato
1937–2016 | Architect
As collaborators of Le Corbusier, they worked on the realization of several projects led by the studio. After Le Corbusier’s death, he founded his own architecture studio in partnership with Alain Tavès. At Charlotte Perriand’s request, they joined the Les Arcs team to work on Arc 1600.
Alain Tavès
1931–2020 | Painter and Architect
Early in his career, he worked alongside Le Corbusier. Upon Le Corbusier’s death, he founded his own architecture and urban planning firm with architect Robert Rebutato. He joined the Les Arcs team to work on the construction of Arc 1600.
Jean Prouvé
1901–1984 | Architect, Engineer, and Designer
Architect, engineer, builder, and designer, Jean Prouvé was an iconic figure of the 20th-century avant-garde. He joined the Les Arcs team as an expert.
““Jean Prouvé’s contribution was decisive and permanently transformed the world of building”
—Charlotte Perriand / A Life of Creation
