Amidst the harsh winter of 1954, a plea for emergency housing from Abbé Pierre echoed through the streets of Paris, stirring hearts and igniting action. Responding to this call with unwavering dedication, architect Jean Prouvé embarked on a journey fuelled with compassion and innovation. Swiftly, he devised a solution that merged pioneering construction techniques with a deep sense of social responsibility. The result was the Maison Les Jours Meilleurs; a beacon of hope erected on Quai Alexandre-III, symbolising the architect’s commitment to social duty.

Now seven decades later, Galerie Patrick Seguin in France pays homage to the iconic creation, exhibiting the principal element of this industrialised house: The load-bearing service core with an immersive exhibition. On view from March 15 - April 20, 2024, Jean Prouvé, Maison Les Jours Meilleurs, 1956 transports one back to the vibrant Paris of 1956 to explore the convergence of design, architecture and social consciousness.

Prouvé’s inventive spirit lay not merely in erecting structures but in revolutionising the very essence of dwelling. His approach, aptly termed as that of a ‘constructeur’ by Le Corbusier, seamlessly blended finesse with engineering prowess. At once an architect and an engineer, the term encompasses the singularity of the architect’s elegant approach and vital social motivation, manufacturing ‘brilliant solutions’ for the modern era’s most urgent needs. Though the French architect is today synonymous with bent sheet-steel frames of his iconic furniture, his seminal contributions to modern architecture and his socially engaged praxis as a builder; united the worlds of industry, architecture, engineering and design, his contributions deserve far more attention than they have historically been afforded.

Central to the visionary architect’s ethos was the democratisation of design. The Better Days House stands as a testament to this vision, offering a pre-packaged solution to the pressing issue of emergency housing. Acutely aware of the shifting social and political landscape of his time, Prouvé adapted his construction system to the exigencies of his historical moment. His metal building systems used economical but durable construction materials that could easily be assembled, dismantled, transported and modified. In the 1930s, the architect began to create prototypes and secure patents for portable building systems or ‘demountable’ houses.

Maison Les Jours Meilleurs encapsulates the architect’s ideal of a light, dynamic mass-produced accommodation. Created to meet a housing emergency, the house combined earlier experiments with innovative building techniques. The measures taken by the French government after the war were an insufficient response to a housing crisis that hit the disadvantaged very hard. Prouvé did not succeed in launching mass production for single-family and collective housing units he had been experimenting with in his Maxeville plant. At the International Congress of Modern Architecture (Congrès Internationaux d'Architecture Moderne - CIAM) in July 1953. Just after definitively leaving his workshop, he presented his work on the mass production of housing and in particular the daring construction principle of a small house centred around a load-bearing core.

A few months later, Pierre, a former parliamentarian and founder of the Emmaus movement, rallied public opinion regarding the plight of the homeless and succeeded in obtaining substantial funding from donations and the state. Representing a small group of architects associated with the architect, Michel Bataille persuaded Abbe´ to invest in a mass production project capable of providing an inexpensive, rapid and lasting form of emergency housing.

Deprived of his production facilities but equipped with his design studies for a structural service core, in a few weeks Prouve with his team, came up with a ‘pre-packaged’ family dwelling that was light yet sturdy and affordable yet cosy. Optimistically titled Better Days House, this project was emblematic of Pierre and Prouvé's social commitment and the battles they fought against all odds; bureaucracy, in particular. Hailed highly by journalists and architects and enthusiastically received by the public when it was shown at the Salone des Arts Menagers in 1956, the prototype seemed to meet all the requirements for imminent mass production. However, due to the lack of an official seal of approval, only a few of the houses were built.

Erected in seven hours, this demountable prefabricated architecture was based on the principle of a central load-bearing core, a marvel of engineering that not only supports the structure but also houses all the technical installations of the kitchen and the bathroom. Surrounding the core are meticulously crafted living spaces, characterised by sleek lines and thoughtful design elements. From the integration of natural light to the efficient use of space, every aspect of the house reflects Prouvé's commitment to blending form with function.

Prouvé's aspirations transcended mere architectural accolades. His enduring friendship and collaboration with Le Corbusier underscored a shared belief in architecture as a catalyst for social change. Together, they navigated the turbulent waters of post-war reconstruction, their designs embodied an unwavering optimism for a brighter, more inclusive future. Through their synergy, they pioneered a new architectural language; one rooted in pragmatism yet infused with a profound sense of humanism.

Upon visiting the prototype exhibited in Paris in February 1956, Corbusier exclaimed about the Better Days House , saying, “Jean Prouve has built the handsom-est house I know of. The most perfect object for living in and the most sparkling thing ever constructed." Corbusier's admiration for Prouvé's creation underscored the profound impact the house had on contemporaries, not only as a feat of ingenuity but also as a testament to the power of design to address pressing social issues.

Beyond the physical space of the gallery, the architecture exhibition extends into the digital realm, offering visitors a virtual reality tour of Prouvé's iconic Maison Les Jours Meilleurs, allowing them to explore every nook and cranny of the structure. From the load-bearing core to the carefully crafted living spaces, every detail comes to life, giving a first-hand glimpse into the architect’s vision. Through photographs and documents, one can witness the evolution of the house; a journey to inspire architects and designers, transcending temporal boundaries to resonate with contemporary challenges.

As visitors engage with Prouvé's work, they are not only transported to a bygone era of architectural innovation but also challenged to envision a future where design catalyses positive change. Through interactive workshops and design labs, participants gain valuable insights into Prouvé's social consciousness and his unwavering commitment to addressing pressing issues such as housing inequality and environmental sustainability. By contextualising the architect’s work within the larger socio-political landscape of his time, the immersive exhibition is more than just a showcase; it is a celebration of creativity, collaboration and the enduring power of design. With each meticulously crafted dwelling and every visionary design, Prouvé's legacy continues to inspire generations to come, reminding us of the transformative potential of architecture in shaping a better tomorrow.

‘Jean Prouvé, Maison Les Jours Meilleurs, 1956’ is on view from March 15 - April 20, 2024 at Galerie Patrick Seguin, Paris.