rhb architects designs a gymnasium in france to align with neighboring buildings

in the heart of wissembourg, france, rhb architects has realized a new school gymnasium. defined by a simple white volume, the exterior of the building has been carefully traced to align with the existing architecture. inside, the space is articulated by a multi-functional room that extends to an outdoor stage, making it possible to accommodate a variety of fun activities.

all images courtesy of rhb architects

the current building of the wissembourg school gymnasium forms a specific urban form on a triangular plot in the city center. located on the southern part of the plot, the building stands as the predominant figure. the surrounding context provides a remarkable variety of buildings typologies, some of which, like the school and the former convent, have already been renovated and restored. by carefully designing the exterior volume of the new intervention, rhb architects found alignments with the neighboring constructions. the ultimate goal is to offer a unitary and sober volume integrated into this rich context in the heart of the city.

the extension, organized around an architecture of patios, allows the creation of new functions related to the diversification of the program: a hall, a kitchen and a bar are located on the first floor, while a bodily expression room completes the project upstairs. this intervention allows the usage of the gymnasium to grow, enabling the sports hall to be transformed into a multipurpose space thanks to the addition of a stage. to the north of the site, a connection is created between the multi-functional space and the schoolyard. finally, the south end of the plot is transformed into a green entrance square, embellished with stone steps and benches.

project info:

project name: the gymnasium in wissembourg

location: wissembourg, france

architect: rhb architects

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edited by: lynne myers | designboom