dominique perrault: new longchamp racecourse

‘new longchamp horse racecourse’ by dominique perrault architecture in paris, france all images courtesy dominique perrault architecture image © DPA / adagp

dominique perrault architecture has won first place in the international design competitionfor the redevelopment of the ‘new long champ horse racecourse’ in paris, france. observing the wide range of buildings currently present on the historical racetrack, the design seeks to highlight the different architecture elements that contribute to the identity of longchamp by an integration and transformation of the surrounding landscape.

rendered aerial view image © DPA / adagp

establishing a spinal column to the circulation of the project, ‘les planches’ is a large wooden walkway that connects the north end of the racecourse with the south. the new topography encourages the spaces’ opening, their permeability with the landscape and a clear and instinctual circulation for the general public. the routes are lined by five meter high stainless steel mesh that acts as a shelter from the wind and the sun.

view of the new stables from ‘les planches’ image © DPA / adagp

conceived as a structure with no front and no back, the grand stands is read as a series of stacked plates that have been shifted to create a soft overhang effect from the west to the east. the form directs the stands closer towards the finish line while a balcony is generated on the opposite side. a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and raceway is provided from every level.

the redevelopment is due to start in october 2013 and has a projected completion date of late 2015. 

from the forecourt on the main path image © DPA / adagp

view of the presentation circle from the new grandstands image © DPA / adagp

gardens and the reception pavilion image © DPA / adagp

view of tracks from grandstands image © DPA / adagp

interior view of panoramic restaurant image © DPA / adagp

image © DPA / adagp

image © DPA / adagp

rendered site plan image © DPA / adagp

schematic diagram of viewing stands image © DPA / adagp

exploded axonometric of programs and functions image © DPA / adagp

project info:

site area: 630,000 sqm built area: 23, 603 sqm estimated beginning of construction: september 2013 estimated construction period: 2 years