Publications
Schmitt Michel, Le Palais des Fêtes de Strasbourg
The Palais des Fêtes de Strasbourg, a historic landmark classified since 2007, stands as an architectural emblem of the Neustadt district, blending neo-Gothic, neo-Renaissance, and Art Nouveau styles. Constructed in 1903 by architects Joseph Müller and Richard Kuder, its design features include a polygonal corner tower, scrolled gables, and intricate windows, balconies, and concert halls that reflect the city's vibrant cultural heritage. This study highlights the Palais's role as a gathering place for artistic and festive events throughout the 20th century, offering insights into its historical significance and architectural innovation.
L’Alsace, une région mobilisée dans la patrimonialisation de la Neustadt
The Neustadt district of Strasbourg, built under German urban planning after Alsace's annexation in 1870, serves as a symbolic representation of Franco-German relations and the complex history of Alsace. This study reveals how its patrimonialization reflects broader regional, national, and international acceptance of Alsace's past. By comparing the district's preservation efforts with historical narratives, it highlights the Neustadt's dual identity—shaped by both German urban design and French heritage conservation. The research traces key events that have shaped this urban landscape, emphasizing its role as a microcosm of Alsace's evolving relationship between France and Germany.
Studying tourism practices at heritage sites through online published content: the case of the World Heritage Site Strasbourg, Grande-Île and Neustadt
Analysis of user-generated content from Flickr and TripAdvisor reveals that the 2018 expansion of Strasbourg's UNESCO World Heritage Site perimeter has not significantly altered tourist perceptions or behaviors. The study combines geolocalized image analysis with statistical and content reviews, showing that tourists' representations of heritage sites remain largely consistent despite boundary changes. This method offers a novel approach to assessing tourism impacts on heritage destinations by leveraging digital media data.
Désir d’un renouveau pédagogique
A ceramic decoration commissioned for the façade of Strasbourg's new School of Art and Crafts (1892) exemplifies the paradoxes of Art Nouveau, illustrating its tension between rejecting academicism, promoting regional craftsmanship, and embracing industrial innovation. This work, created by Léon Elchinger under Anton Seder’s direction, reflects a pedagogical shift toward hands-on training rooted in nature observation rather than stylistic imitation. The research highlights the complex interplay between Art Nouveau’s historicist tendencies and its fascination with natural forms, while also contextualizing this decorative project within the broader urban development of Strasbourg's Neustadt district during a period of emerging modernity.
Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin). Mur d’enceinte – place Sainte-Madeleine / rue du Fossé des Orphelins
A comprehensive study of the medieval and modern defensive wall at Strasbourg's Grande Île, specifically focusing on the section at place Sainte-Madeleine / rue du Fossé des Orphelins, has revealed significant insights into its architectural evolution. The research, conducted between 2018-2019, utilized multi-phase analysis to document the wall's structure, which is primarily visible from its interior face due to adjacent school buildings obscuring the exterior. Key findings include detailed observations of the wall's construction techniques and historical layers, providing critical data for ongoing restoration efforts on this Monument historique. The study highlights the importance of preserving such structures while offering a deeper understanding of Strasbourg's defensive architecture.
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