Brise vent Havre
Competition proposal (finalist)
summer 2024 (4 weeks)
Le Havre, historically one of France’s most important ports, thrives on its shipping industry. The industrial brise vent structure that will be repurposed was once a critical component in the safeguard of the harbour. Drawing from the spirit of Le Havre’s industrial identity, the exhibition space will take inspiration in raw, maritime materials (reclaimed timber, steel, and concrete) to evoke the feel of shipping containers and port infrastructure. The architectural design reference the rhythm of the shipping industry, with modular spaces that echo the compartmentalized nature of cargo holds, while allowing the flexibility for exhibits to be “unpacked” and reconfigured, mimicing the flow of goods through the port.
The white wooden boxes. Reinterpreting the shipping container in a new material. The wooden modular spaces are made of cross-laminated timber (CLT) offering exceptional structural benefits that elevate its use as movable architecture. Its multi-layered construction, where wooden panels are glued together at right angles, creates a material with superior strength, rigidity, and dimensional stability. This cross-lamination process enhances the wood’s load-bearing capacity, making it ideal for large spans and remaining significantly lighter than concrete or steel. Its precision in prefabrication allows for faster construction with minimal waste, making CLT not only structurally robust but also environmentally efficient and sustainable.
Dynamic, changing spaces enhance the architectural experience by fostering adaptability, interaction, and engagement within a structure. This fluidity not only promotes a sense of discovery and surprise but also encourages creativity and personalization, empowering occupants to shape the space according to their evolving activities.
Defined spatial flow. In this project, the lower part of the industrial structure’s raw expansive spaces will be carefully re-defined into a specific program. Transforming abstract volumes into meaningful places, balancing openness with boundaries that support the intended use and emotional response. The “designed” visitor experience is one of linear flow with opportunities for vertical discovery, where each area invites a distinct interaction while maintaining cohesion.
Upon arrival at the entrance waterfront, visitors are greeted by the mesmerizing sight of floating art installations, creating an immediately immersing them in a dialogue between art, the urban landscape and connection to the water. Moving inside, the rustic welcome hall, visitors feel a sense of openness and invitation, guided effortlessly to the info point and ticket shop for orientation. The adjacent cloak room and toilets are thoughtfully placed for convenience ensuring comfort as they progress toward the auditorium, where cultural performances unfold against a backdrop of industrial architecture legacy.
The experience deepens in the multi-level vibrant café and restaurant, each floor offers distinct views of the waterfront and cityscape, encouraging relaxation and interaction. The relaxing social area serves as a hub for conversation, drawing visitors into a communal space that blends seamlessly into the rough concrete space. The architectural rhythm shifts in the cinema, where a more intimate and focused atmosphere enhances the viewing experience. Behind the scenes, storage and administration ensure smooth functionality without disrupting the flow.
The journey culminates in a breathtaking panoramic view,
offering a moment of reflection, where the architecture frames the surrounding landscape, leaving a lasting impression. Heading back down and through one of the openings of the structure. Visitors are exposed to a wild grown serene urban garden—a green waterfront escape that reconnects them to nature and the surrounding sea.
