Cité de la Muette

The Cité de la Muette in Drancy, France, is a site that stands as a testament to both the architectural innovation of the early 20th century and the harrowing history of World War II. This unique complex, initially envisioned as a modernist housing project, later became infamous as an internment camp during the war. Today, it serves as a poignant reminder of the past, blending its architectural significance with its role in history.

A Vision of Modernist Architecture

In the early 1930s, the Cité de la Muette was conceived as a groundbreaking project by architects Eugène Beaudouin and Marcel Lods, along with engineers Vladimir Bodiansky and Jean Prouvé. The aim was to create a modernist housing complex that embodied the principles of the Charte d’Athènes. The project was commissioned by Henri Sellier, the administrator of the office HBM de la Seine, and construction began in 1932.

The design of the Cité de la Muette was innovative for its time, featuring prefabricated elements and a rationalist approach to architecture. The complex was to include 1,250 apartments, each equipped with modern amenities such as running water, bathrooms, and integrated kitchen furniture. Social, cultural, and sporting facilities were also planned, including a nursery, schools, a cinema, a gymnasium, a library, a dispensary, a grocery store, and even a church. However, due to the economic crisis, only the school was completed alongside the main U-shaped building.

The Architectural Layout

The Cité de la Muette was designed with a mix of high-rise and low-rise buildings. The complex included five 15-story towers, each accompanied by two long, low-rise buildings. These structures were nicknamed the comb due to their layout. Additionally, a long, low-rise building with indentations was constructed to the north, and a U-shaped building was erected to the west.

The architects took into account the prevailing winds from the north, opening the courtyards and gardens to the south to maximize sunlight and ventilation. The towers, which were the tallest in France at the time, were seen as the first skyscrapers in the Paris region. Each tower contained 280 improved HBM apartments, with studios and two-room units. The low-rise buildings, on the other hand, housed standard HBM apartments without elevators to reduce costs.

Innovative Construction Techniques

The construction of the Cité de la Muette was revolutionary, utilizing a steel frame filled with prefabricated concrete panels. This method, already employed by Beaudouin and Lods in previous projects, allowed for faster construction without the need for scaffolding and formwork. The use of vibrated concrete panels also reduced the weight of the structure compared to traditional methods.

The construction site operated around the clock, with materials delivered at night to avoid delays. The northern area of the site was used for molding, demolding, and assembling the concrete elements, which were then transported on rails to their final positions. The façades were adorned with Carrara marble pebbles to break the monotony of the grey concrete.

A Shift in Purpose During World War II

Despite its promising beginnings, the Cité de la Muette's fate took a dark turn during World War II. In 1939, the U-shaped building, still incomplete, was requisitioned and transformed into a prisoner-of-war camp. By August 1941, it had become an internment camp for Jews, and later, a holding camp for collaborators at the end of the war.

The site’s transformation during the war left an indelible mark on its history. The stark, utilitarian architecture that once symbolized modernist ideals became synonymous with suffering and loss. The camp at Drancy became a key transit point for Jews being deported to concentration camps, and its history is a somber chapter in the story of the Holocaust.

The Cité de la Muette Today

In the post-war years, the Cité de la Muette underwent significant changes. The U-shaped building was completed in 1946 and repurposed as social housing. The towers, however, were sold to the French Army in 1973 and demolished in 1976 due to their deteriorating condition. The area was subsequently redeveloped into a gendarmerie barracks.

In 2001, the Cité de la Muette was designated a historical monument, recognized for its architectural and urban significance, as well as its role during World War II. This designation has preserved its legacy as a major architectural achievement of the 20th century and a site of national memory. Renovation efforts have been undertaken to restore the building, including the installation of new windows that respect the original design.

Visiting the Cité de la Muette today offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the convergence of architectural innovation and historical events. It stands as a powerful reminder of the resilience of human spirit and the importance of remembering the past. As you walk through the complex, you can appreciate the vision of its creators while honoring the memory of those who endured its darkest days.