LAN architecture wraps contemporary town hall in france with double façade

LAN architecture wraps contemporary town hall in france with double façade
all images © julien lanoo

paris-based firm LAN architecture has just completed a new town hall in saint-jacques de la lande, near the capital of britanny, rennes. the approach to the scheme has created an efficient and contemporary landmark for the city center and at the same time, the layout is a nod to the long architectural history of city halls.

the building is wrapped in two façades

the building is based on two squares, the exterior envelope is defined by two layers; each one responding to a different function. the outer layer is wrapped in steel and simultaneously provides a protection from the sun and the second, ‘thicker’ façade for thermal performance.

the approach to the interior revolves around overlapping spaces and capitalizing on transparency, light and reflection. ‘the architectural project is based on an image of unity, reassurance, and clarity that fosters a strong sense of identity without falling into the cliché of emblematic representations of power.’ comments the design team at LAN. as a result, the building acts as a catalyst for social interactions.

the interior was developed as a light-filled space with overlapping spaces

wrapped in wood slats, a fluid sense of circulation enables people to naturally move around from one office to the full and the empty spaces surrounding the central hall make it natural and intuitive for users to move from one office to another. the hall’s double height seeks to connect the core of the building with the secondary entrance from the upper square.

the timber paneling adds warmth to the space

a fluid sense of circulation enables people to naturally move around from one office to the other

the approach to the scheme has created an efficient and contemporary landmark for the commune

light is filtered through to the lower teaching rooms

the building organized on two squares

the building is defined its double façade

the building at night