
first image
'gymnsaium + town hall esplanade' by LAN architecture, chelles, france
image © julien lanoo
all images courtesy of LAN architecture
the historic urban center of chelles, france has been articulated and streamlined with a 'gymnasium + town hall esplanade' completed by
french firm LAN architecture. addressing existing issues, the project is sited amidst structures dedicated to the church, state, culture,
education and sports, comprising and concentrating all components within a limited space. the concept of a historic agora is referenced,
strategically altering the public realm and its perception. the gymnasium's rectilinear footprint parallels the high school and town hall facade,
leaving an experiential journey between the park and church. a piazza and pedestrian street are defined by neighboring buildings.
reflective glass facades create a kaleidoscope effect with images of the adjacent structures. a double-layer system of first glass which mirrors the
outdoor environment and lets in daylight, while the second, a copper metal skin, tints the reflected scenery. during the day, the building recedes due
to the applied images and at night becomes illuminated with the activity occurring inside.

within the context of historical buildings
image © julien lanoo

exterior
image © julien lanoo

reflective elevation
images © julien lanoo

side elevation reflects encompassing context
image © julien lanoo

entrance
image © julien lanoo

facade shades
image © julien lanoo

gym
image © julien lanoo

gym
image © julien lanoo

gym
image © julien lanoo

gym
image © julien lanoo

corridor and stairway to upper level
image © julien lanoo

dance room
image © julien lanoo

reflection of gym below
image © julien lanoo

view from dance room
image © julien lanoo

gymnasium at night
image © julien lanoo

gymnasium and esplanade at night
image © julien lanoo

site plan

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

section

section

elevation

elevation

axonometric

axonometric
project info:
project: gymnasium and redesign of the town hall square
location: place de l’hôtel de ville, chelles (77), france
timetable: 2007-2011
competition: january 2008
delivery: january 2012
project manager: chelles town council
budget: 3.85m EUR excl. vat
project area: 2200 m²
team: LAN architecture (architects), betem (contractor), isabelle hurpy (heq engineering consultant)
love the interplay of stiff Miesian box with the irregularity of the fenstration
Beautifull