‘FRAC bretagne contemporary art museum’ by studio odile decq, rennes, franceimage © rolande halbeall images courtesy of studio odile decq

 

 

 

ambiguity of material, of light of shape and structurea massive blockblack materialdensities of blackfrom absorbent mat to reflecting lustrous black, becoming transparent matthe inversion of weight and lightnessgravity in suspensionbrute and sophisticated

 

– architect odile decq

 

 

the ‘FRAC bretagne’ by studio odile decq is one of the first new contemporary art museums to be realized in france. although modest in size,the unique material applications and spatial expressions create a dramatically vibrant space characterized by rich tones and reflective surfaces.the main structure is made of reinforced concrete treated with an engineered pigmentation process that gives it a natural black hue, cast in steel formwork so as to give it a subtle metallic texture. steel is also used for structural framing in conjunction with the concrete and as exteriorsiding, given a chemical bath treatment to render the material a deep charcoal. the ground level is defined by an entirely glazed wall exhibiting a gradient transparency and houses a public cafe, seating area, and a small auditorium within a faceted bright red volume that carries throughto the levels above. vertical circulation consists of an elevator that serves both services and the public, or the stairs located in a central full-height void illuminated by skylights. this light well is a programmatic spine from which the galleries, storage, and rooftop library unfold through exploration of the vertical promenade. the solid canopy finishes the traditional exterior formal expression with a contrastingly angular piecethat overhangs the transparent library function for natural shade and provides foreshadowing for the interior spaces.

 

 

studio odile decq: FRAC bretagne contemporary art museum, franceexterior siteimage © rolande halbe

 

 

studio odile decq: FRAC bretagne contemporary art museum, franceprimary facadeimage © rolande halbe

 

 

studio odile decq: FRAC bretagne contemporary art museum, franceground level cafeimage © rolande halbe

 

 

studio odile decq: FRAC bretagne contemporary art museum, francevertical circulationimage © rolande halbe

 

 

studio odile decq: FRAC bretagne contemporary art museum, francerestroomimage © rolande halbe

 

 

studio odile decq: FRAC bretagne contemporary art museum, francefloor plan / level 0

 

 

studio odile decq: FRAC bretagne contemporary art museum, francefloor plan / level 1

 

 

studio odile decq: FRAC bretagne contemporary art museum, francefloor plan / level 2

 

 

 

project info:

 

 

client: region bretagnearea: 5000 m2cost: 12.2 m€site: zac beauregard, rennes, franceprogram: exibition spaces, storage, library, workspace, conference room, cafédates: competition 2005 – delivery 2012