Arcades of the Villers-la-Ville Abbey

The narrow passageway beneath the pharmacy’s arcades, frequently impacted and damaged by passing lorries, necessitated intervention to bolster the building's stability against such incidents. The stone arcades, situated at street level, were meticulously restored in accordance with the strict principles of anastylosis, ensuring their authenticity. To enhance the structural integrity, a discreet reinforced concrete veil was added, providing overall stability and ensuring the safety of pedestrians.

The first floor was designed to function like the fusible piers of a bridge, effectively absorbing shocks while preserving the integrity of the entire structure. Restoration of the façade was executed with traditional rendering techniques, backed by meticulous documentation to faithfully replicate the original appearance. This intervention's heritage value lies in its preservation of the 17th-century form and aesthetics, aligning with the principles outlined in the 1994 Nara Charter, which emphasizes the authenticity of appearance over that of materials.

This careful restoration invites viewers to envision the abbey as it once appeared, fully plastered, a vision that has often unsettled visitors by challenging their romantic notions of the ruined edifice.