The Institut du Patrimoine et de l’Architecture de l’Océan Indien held a workshop on March 14 to begin broadening its audience and publicizing its projects. In gestation for a year, this organization intends to support the safeguarding and enhancement of Mauritian heritage, notably by mobilizing skills in Mauritius and internationally. Dominique Bellier
Alain La Hausse de Lalouvière considers this project to be the fight of his life. This Mauritian-born architect, who made his career in France, believes that if we really want to advance the protection and enhancement of Mauritius’ built heritage, we need to set the bar high. With Thierry Lebreton and a dozen specialists, the first step was to devise the ideal structure to cover all heritage issues.
Hosted by the Fondation des Îles de l’océan Indien, the institute comprises 4 departments: Studies and Research, Consulting and Operations, Training and Education, Communication and Public Awareness. The first objective is to equip the institute with the necessary structures (Board of Directors, secretariat, etc.). The priority is to draw up a general inventory of Mauritian heritage, in order to identify buildings and sites that merit more in-depth research, and to draw up the various categories of inventory to be carried out (remarkable buildings, buildings at risk, industrial heritage, etc.).
The institute could provide technical advice for the rehabilitation of the Jardin de Pamplemousses, the Musée de Mahébourgand the former Supreme Court, for which a public/private partnership has been signed between the French embassy and the Mauritian government. Funding will also be sought for four priority projects: the Chapelle du Bon Secours in Port-Louis, the Marché de la Butte, the reconstruction of the Réduit railway station and the creation of a railway museum, and the Musée Surcouf.
