steven holl + 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