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© Copyright 2024 Helmut Giersiefen. All Rights Reserved.
© Copyright 2024 Helmut Giersiefen. All Rights Reserved.
Nestled in the enchanting landscapes of Saint-Tropez along the renowned Côte d'Azur is Latitude 43, an architectural masterpiece conceived by the visionary French architect and urban planner Georges-Henri Pingusson.
Originally envisioned as a grand hotel, Latitude 43 epitomizes Pingusson's mastery of the modernist style, embodying the era's fervor for technological innovation and velocity. Influenced by motifs emblematic of progress—the sleek lines of ships, the streamlined grace of automobiles, the swift motion of railways and airplanes—the structure radiates an aura of dynamic energy.
When beheld from the vantage point of Sainte-Maxime to the north, Latitude 43 emerges as a striking juxtaposition, an alien presence amidst the picturesque charm of Saint-Tropez's architectural panorama.
Yet, from the serene vista of Chapelle Sainte-Anne in the south, the complex unfolds as a majestic ocean liner navigating through a tranquil pine grove—an ingenious concept born from Pingusson's maritime voyage.
The structure's sinuous contours echo the hull of a ship, while its rounded gables evoke the bow of a majestic steamer. At its heart lies a commanding staircase, reminiscent of the helm of a seafaring vessel, punctuating the horizontal expanse of the floors.
Commencing its construction in January 1932, Latitude 43 rose to completion by July of the same year, just in time to welcome guests for the summer season. Boasting 120 rooms, a gastronomic haven, expansive sports amenities, two shimmering pools, and a spirited casino, the hotel epitomized luxury and leisure.
Subsequently transformed into apartments in 1948, the edifice now stands as a shared legacy among eighty proud owners, bearing the weathered testament of time.
It is here where we meet photographer Helmut Giersiefen. The relentless mistral winds and the gentle caress of the maritime climate have etched their stories upon the weathered facades of reinforced concrete.
Simultaneously inseparable and independent from the immutable presence of Latitude 43, the photographer’s lens reveals a narrative of endurance and resilience.
