Less Time

Less time than it takes to say it, less tears than it takes to die; I've taken account of everything, there you have it. I've made a census of the stones, they are as numerous as my fingers and someothers; I've distributed some pamphlets to the plants, but not all were willing to accept them. I've kept company with music for a second only and now I no longer know what to think of suicide, for if I ever want to part from myself, the exit is on this side and, I add mischievously, the entrance, the re-entrance is on the other. You see what you still have to do. Hours, grief, I don't keep a reasonable account of them; I'm alone, I look out of the window; there is no passerby, or rather no one passes (underline passes). You don't know this man? It's Mr. Same. May I introduce Madam Madam? And their children. Then I turn back on my steps, my steps turn back too, but I don't know exactly what they turn back on. I consult a schedule; the names of the towns have been replaced by the names of people who have been quite close to me. Shall I go to A, return to B, change at X? Yes, of course I'll change at X. Provided I don't miss the connection with boredom!There we are: boredom, beautiful parallels, ah! how beautiful the parallels are under God's perpendicular.

by Andre Breton

project brief

The "walking on water" illustrates how a small space can be made compatible with a number of different functions. The patio is intended to serve for parking, for relaxing and gaining everyday access to the house. It is made up of a series of steps and walkways set inside a pit that can be totally or partially flooded. A high level of water can rule out certain uses, to the extent that it becomes an unavoidable obstacle between the street and the house.