franklin azzi architecture: alstom halles, nantes

‘alstom halles’ by franklin azzi architecture in nantes, france all images courtesy franklin azzi architecture

paris-based firm franklin azzi architecture has sent us images of ‘alstom halles’, a rehabilitation project which includes the construction of a new college of fine arts in nantes, france. situated at the heart of the metropolis behind the courthouse designed by french architect jean nouvel, the design aims to provide a creative and urban space that responds to the site and its changing needs. 

view of plaza from above

featuring a saw-toothed roof line, the new three-level hall is transparent in both its operations a nd materiality: wrapped in a translucent cladding framed in steel, the interior space is completely lit by natural light. this blurring between the interior and exterior results in an ‘inner street’, a wide circulatory route that connects a number of programs within the hall as well as serving as a connector between different buildings on site.

approach

on the east end of the rectangular hall, the facades are capable of unfolding to completely open up to the plaza-space generated by the neighboring structures. this allows a physical expansion of the interior space, encouraging the visitors to ‘spill-out’ on to the streets for maximum interaction. this transformability also serves to maintain a comfortable microclimate within the structure through passive means.

amphitheatre open to the street

‘inner street’

upper corridors

view of the transparent cladding

summer – completely open

fall – partially opened

winter – fully closed

night view

aerial view

site map

site plan

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level +1

floor plan / level +2

longitudinal section

elevation / south

elevation / north

cross section

elevation / east

elevation / west

physical model

detail

from above

west facade

project info:

client: sanoa – ESBANM – nantes metropolis associate architect: paul armand grether technical engineer: setec bâtiment environmental: tribe landscape: bureau bas smets acoustics: acoustic lamoureux fire and accessibility: casso & associates

building area: 27,000 m2 land area: 17,000 m2