steven holl architects + solange fabião: cité de l’océan et du surf

'cité de l'océan et du surf' by steven holl architects and solange fabião
image © iwan baan


'cité de l'océan et du surf' a project by steven holl architects and brazilian born artist and architect,
solange fabião is now complete. set to open in june 2011, the museum intends to raise awareness
of oceanic issues and scientific aspects of the surf and sea. the facility, located in biarritz, france,
is the product of a 2005 international competition for which the collaborative project won first place.



south elevation
image courtesy of luc médrinal


derived from the spatial concept 'under the sky, under the sea', the design looks to create a central
gathering place which is open and responsive to the surrounding environment. shaped like a giant wave
cresting towards the sea, the museum is composed of delicate glass structures that anchor themselves
into the encircling white concrete. boldly inserted into the site, the building uses transparency, form
and material to generate a unique profile that rises from the terrain to frame the sky, sea and horizon.
 


plaza
image courtesy of steven holl architects


inside, the convex structures and contouring ground form the main exhibition spaces.
positioned underground, the vast but enclosed volumes look to project the feeling of being immersed
underwater. rising ceilings and strong curves develop the overall character and define the program of
each area, which range from exposed gathering places to exploratory installations.



entrance
image © iwan baan



stairway
image © iwan baan



exhibition space
image © iwan baan



night view
image © iwan baan



site plan
image courtesy of solange fabião



south elevation
image courtesy of solange fabião



west elevation
image courtesy of solange fabião



north elevation
image courtesy of solange fabião



south elevation
image courtesy of solange fabião



rendering of master plan
image courtesy of steven holl architects



rendering of exhibition spaces
image courtesy of steven holl architects



concept sketch
image courtesy of steven holl architects