sculptural concrete columns define cino zucchi architetti’s office building in bordeaux

Cino Zucchi Architetti presents office building in france

Cino Zucchi Architetti completes the L’Ark office building in Bordeaux’s Belvédère district, a project with a sensitive approach to the historic urban fabric of the French city. Sculptural concrete columns define the facade, arranged in irregular rhythms across seven orders marked by string-course cornices. The texture and color of each column evoke the traditional stone of Bordeaux, while their undercut bands enhance the perception of volume and depth. Crafted using advanced numerical control techniques, the columns act as expressive, freestanding structural screens that integrate classical proportions into the contemporary exterior.

images courtesy of Cino Zucchi Architetti

the layered perimeter skin of l’ark creates shadow patterns

Italian practice Cino Zucchi Architetti uses inward folds along the perimeter of the building to shape its substantial volume, creating a hybrid layout that combines an H-shaped plan with a centralized configuration. Its shorter facades, facing the boulevard and an adjacent park, curve inward with soft concave forms. A layered perimeter skin alternates ribbon window bands with opaque panels, enhanced by anodized aluminum shading elements that react to weather conditions, producing dynamic patterns of light and shadow.

At the upper levels, a recessed terrace garden links the final two floors, providing a sheltered outdoor space while adding another layer of depth to the design. Subtle nods to French architectural heritage, such as reinterpretations of angular trompes in the atrium, ground the project in its cultural context without relying on nostalgic mimicry.

a project with a sensitive approach to the historic urban fabric of the French city

arranged in irregular rhythms across seven orders, the columns are marked by string-course cornices

Cino Zucchi Architetti uses inward folds along the perimeter of the building

the texture and color of each column evoke the traditional stone of Bordeaux

at the upper levels, a recessed terrace garden links the final two floors

the columns act as expressive, freestanding structural screens

integrating classical proportions into the contemporary exterior

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sculptural columns are found in the interior of L'Ark building

a layered perimeter skin alternates ribbon window bands with opaque panels

anodized aluminum shading elements that react to weather conditions

producing dynamic patterns of light and shadow

shorter facades curve inward with soft concave forms

project info:

name: L’Ark
architect: Cino Zucchi Architetti
location: Bordeaux, France

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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom