My Apartment in Lacoste

I arrived on Monday, March 26th, after a long plane ride.  I thought I would show you where I will be staying for the next 8 weeks. The following images show my apartment in Lacoste.  There is a fully equipped kitchen on the ground floor with a window to the street.  The bedroom is on the second level.  It has an enclosed balcony with a window to the street.  The bathroom is located behind the bedroom.  The walls, floors and ceilings are all stone.  It feels like I am in a cave.  The doors are very low--I have to duck to get through. It is kind of like Alice in Wonderland!

This is my apartment building.
The entrance is between the two bushes.

This is the street my apartment is located on.

The kitchen is on the left and on the right is a window facing the street on the first floor.

The other side of the kitchen with a table.

Bedroom on second floor.

Bathroom

Bathroom looking into the bedroom... notice the tiny door!

This week is full of faculty orientations and preparations for the student's arrival on Friday, March 30th. I am currently revising the syllabi to include trips to neighboring landmarks. More to follow!

Departure from Savannah is March 25, 2012
Arrival in Lacoste is March 26, 2012

Teaching assignment:
I will be teaching two courses in Lacoste: International Preservation Technology and Preservation Rehabilitation.

Brief history of Lacoste:
The oldest existing structures in Lacoste date from the 11th century.  After surviving wars, plagues and invaders, the village revived in the late 15th century when the Vaudois people moved here from higher Alpine valleys.  The ancient chateau at the top of the hill is the most famous structure because of its most infamous inhabitant, the Marquis de Sade.  The oldest parts of the chateau date from the Gallo-Roman period.  Today, around 200 people live in Lacoste year-round and are called "les Lacostois(es)".

Despite its small size and remote location, Lacoste has held appeal for artists and students in the arts since the mid-20th century.  The Lacoste School of the Arts was founded in 1970 by American art professor and painter Bernard Pfriem.  Over the years the college has been owned or operated by several entities.  In 2002 SCAD acquired the campus and has invested millions into upgrading the facilities, infrastructures and academic programming making SCAD Lacoste available to year-round students.

Today, the campus is equipped to welcome students four quarters per year and to offer courses in an array of disciplines.  Capital investment and improvement in the campus is ongoing.  Participants in the Lacoste program join a tradition that began 40 years ago, and leave with an experience that is timeless. (Adapted from SCAD Lacoste: Pre-Departure Package)