saint-malo's cultural complex by as architecture studio features sweeping roof

saint-malo’s cultural complex by as architecture studio features sweeping roof
photography © mereglier-coudrais, luc boegly, gaston bergeret

wanting the building to be recognizable instantly and seen from afar to the residents and visitors to the port city of saint-malo, france. ‘la grande passerelle‘ realized by paris-based practice as architect studio is the city’s new home for public and cultural facilities. the complex is the first structure seen as travelers arrive from the high-speed TGV train station. housing a media library, cinema and other retail facilities, the building approach was to evoke the theme of ‘openness’ where the aim was to establish a relationship between the built structure and the geometry of the exterior areas. the cultural hub encourages people to visit and use the facilities during the day, night and throughout the year. in addition, the surrounding public areas have been landscaped with two esplanades which includes an outdoor amphitheater.

located in the centre of saint-malo, which includes the three communities of saint-servan, paramé and intramuros

referencing the location’s historical past, the theme of travel was chosen to illustrate the relationship between the different cultural content offered by the media library and the art-house cinema. structurally, this is highlighted in the wavy roof form and fluid spaces which is reminiscent of the ocean and the sails belonging to the ships that left saint-malo. the reception area, like concentric rings like a seashell, houses the town’s tourist-cultural gateway and continues on the interior of the media library. the cinema mezzanine above it provides a bridge to the town: it opens as a viewpoint over the station esplanade, framing the view thus created. the building has also become a buffer which links the old town to the newer parts and simultaneously the large glazed façades are placed to let natural light and capture views of the culture which is diffused into the town.

the building expresses openness, a gesture inspired by the proximity of the seashore