paul le quernec realizes cultural center in mulhouse, france

paul le quernec realizes cultural center in mulhouse, france
image © 11h45
all images courtesy of paul le quernec architect

paul le quernec has realized a cultural center in the disadvantaged area of mulhouse, france built on a tight plot whose boundaries could not be negotiated–structures such as apartments, a public square, park, children’s play area and other programmes have already been pre-determined for the remainder of the site. in wanting to avoid simply creating a monolithic building between residential towers, the french architect has employed triangular geometries in the building’s form that have resulted in a faceted volume whose angled lines offer a dynamic structure within this traditional small town between the swiss and german borders.

the architecture is comprised of triangular geometries
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approaching the site, one is invited by an access point that is vibrantly colored in magenta, that carries over the height of the two floors–the upper level featuring a walk out patio that is protected by a monumental grid overlooking the main piazza in front. the ground floor is made up of two segments that function together or separately. they are aligned with one another at the edges of the plot, and twist upwards to the next storey. programs include a small changing room, a teaching kitchen, desk and box office that allow the center to function as a community hall.

approach
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the structure is punctuated by square apertures on its exterior that open sight lines providing points of reference from both inside and outside the building. these windows also serve as high-quality illumination on the interior. the cultural center in mulhouse is a bold addition to the rural landscape, offering a new meeting point for the community that serves its social needs.

the predominantly dark façade is highlighted by structural recesses painted in magenta
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the second floor walk-out
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apertures in the façade offer lookout points
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the entire is emblazoned with bold colors that compliment the dynamic architecture
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a corridor painted in electric blue
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project info:

contractor: ville de mulhouse, m2a
project management: paul le quernec (architect), fabrice wianni & benjamin ringeisen (execution),
surface area: 1, 250 sq. m
cost of works: € 2.4 m before taxes
completion: september 2013