L’architecture privée à Perpignan, 1900-1950 : de l’esthétique « Beaux-Arts » au pittoresque moderne

During the first half of the twentieth century, private building developed at Perpignan into an architectural ensemble which is unique in the Languedoc-Rousillon region. This ensemble spreads out in the former suburbs, in particular around the railway station, and in new neighbourhoods which emerged after the demolition of the city’s fortifications. This development brought a profound renewal to Perpignan’s urban landscape. Influenced by various stylistic trends, from regionalism to the modern movement, the leading architects of the period (Edouard Mas-Chancel, Raoul Castan, Férid Muchir, Alfred Joffre, etc.) created a series of buildings of astonishing variety in their composition and of considerable quality in their detailing. Beyond the diversity of references, however, shared motifs, reciprocal influences and architectural syncretism give the Perpignan neighbourhoods of this period a unified quality which is a powerful contribution to the city’s « special character ».