The archives of the Braillard Architects Foundation offers privileged access to anyone wishing to immerse themselves in Geneva’s heritage.
The collection includes the archives of Maurice Braillard (1870-1965) and his sons Pierre (1911-2009) and Charles (1921-1980). It is an important testimony to the Geneva debate and architectural production of the 20th century, from the “Heimatstil” experiences of Maurice’ first production to the emergence of modern and then international architecture, to the many Pierre and Charles’ achievements, stemming from the strong urban and architectural conditions of the fifties to eighties.
Access the archive collection inventory
The archives, kept at the Braillard Architects Foundation headquarters, include more than 800 projects, i.e. around 20,000 graphic documents, nearly 2,500 boxes of written archives as well as more than two thousand photographs, many of which are original prints. Maurice Braillard’s sketchbooks, 250 works from the architects’ library as well as complete documentation of the office’s activities, and a collection of objects and decorative elements created by the Braillard family complete the collection.
The fund is gradually supplemented with new acquisitions such as findings, research reports or academic work on the production of the Braillard agency; these studies and publications are referenced in a bibliographic system which classifies by project and is constantly updated.
Classification
The processing unit is the project, classified by address in the inventory. A project can include three different classification categories: graphic documents (sketches, layers, counter-layers or prints), written documents (correspondence, accounting, submissions, static calculations, site reports, press clippings, advertising brochures , handwritten reflections, etc.) and photographic documents. The archives also include numerous files concerning the conservation of buildings and restoration campaigns that progressively concern them; these new acquisitions are referenced by project (sheet at the end of each project) in the inventory.
Access and consultation
Restrictions in accordance with copyright and personality rights.
Consultation by appointment at the Braillard Architects Foundation.
Additional sources
Most of Maurice Braillard’s projects have been entirely microfilmed. Part of the collection, notably photographic documents, has been digitised; it is currently stored on the Braillard Architects Foundation server and can be consulted on site (soon available online).
Bibliography
A bibliography organised by project can be consulted at the Braillard Architects Foundation.