GYMNASE LA CHESNAIE BASSE GOULAINE
The new gymnasium of Basse Goulaine takes place in the south-east of the town, in an area dedicated to public facilities, near two previous buildings. The particularity of the plot is its position at a city entrance crossroads. Working on a gradual arrival towards the sports hall, from the site entrance, through the existing car park and then the large forecourt, ensures integration on the North side while clearly affirming a presence on the South limit.
To blend the building, necessarily quite high compared to the two existing constructions, the gymnasium has two scales: a large volume surrounded by a groundfloor belt. The transition is softened thanks to the curved shape connecting the facades to the roof. While ensuring the compactness of the volume, the project is a winding that embraces the entire program in an emblematic and identifiable figure on the landscape scale. The lacquered aluminum scales make it vibrant and light, soft and fluid. This reinterpretation of the shingles affords to obtain perfect continuity of the cladding and roofing. At ground level, depending on relation and sunscreen desired, the cover extends more or less beyond the limits of the building. It protects against bad weather or sun and frames the views.
The curve accompanies scale transition as much as paths. With glazed surfaces, it fosters permeability and dialogue with the environment. This formal principle gives an overall coherence beyond the strict assembly of the program effective volumes. It also allows all sides to be treated with equal care, with none left behind as a back. The project is a strong silhouette characterized in its entirety and in its unity.
