manuelle gautrand architecture finishes expansive forum cultural center

manuelle gautrand architecture finishes expansive forum cultural center
all images courtesy of guillaume guérin unless otherwise noted

thirteen volumes come together with puzzle-like precision to compose ‘forum’. located in the ‘three borders’ region in saint-louis (alscace, france), the expansive 5,713m² cultural facility by manuelle gautrand architecture is host to a range of functions and events. amongst a plethora of smaller, function-specific areas there are several larger volumes of note.

‘forum’ 
image courtesy of luc boegly

the great hall is a massive gymnasium like area that besides being able to accommodate sports events from badminton to basketball, can also host concerts for up to 2,400 people (standing) or about 1,000 seated. located in an area roughly 1,000m² smaller, is the festival hall. like its larger counter-part it functions as an easily adaptable volume. however, its proximity to a full commercial kitchen and 600 person banquet hall focuses uses dominantly towards culinary and catering.

aerial view of the center

‘forum’s’ other forms take care of less space intensive, but equally important programs. special care was taken to organize in such a way that allows fluid circulation between all areas, with each exhibiting traits of highly-flexibility. outside, an experimental two-part structural envelope gives the center its visual identity, and simultaneously helps it achieve its BBC sustainability label.   

sports courts

the translucent façade is composed of two distinct components 

interior signage and wall texturing 

external construction detail  

internal space 
image courtesy of luc boegly

façade detail 

nighttime view 

multi-purpose bar 

‘forum’ cultural center 

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edited by: nick brink | designboom