Auray

The two new extensions are located to the north and west of the media library. They include the workshop room, the extension to the media library, and the social hall. They blend in seamlessly with their immediate surroundings, preserving as many of the site's trees as possible. The young tulip tree is highlighted by the terrace that surrounds it.

In terms of volume, these new extensions have been designed to echo and resonate with the existing volume of the cultural center, creating continuity. The organization of the new roofs reflects an order and formal logic that seems obvious. They resonate with the slate roofs of the historic center of Auray.

The proximity to the Saint Esprit art center chapel also led us to believe that the historical and visual continuity between the two buildings needed to be reinforced. The entrance on the ground floor is aligned with the existing chapel.

To restore coherence to the public space, a small forest has been planted on the north forecourt. To put the old chapel into perspective, a gap has been created in the mass of tall trees. This density of trees gives the forecourt a new geometry and a new quality, without compromising its flexibility of use.

From the north forecourt, the recessed main entrance offers a glimpse of the communal hall. It is a large open space, bathed in natural light thanks to the large windows and glass roofs, as well as the double and triple heights that capture light on the upper floors. This creates expansions of space, like breathing spaces at the heart of the building, promoting cross-views between the different programs.

Convivial and unifying, the lobby is located at the crossroads of circulation routes. A new stairwell and elevator are located in the center of the lobby to connect the different levels. With these two remarkable entrances, the lobby is designed to be transparent. The two main entrances, on the garden level and the ground floor, are obvious, easy to understand, and invite visitors to enter. The lobby, due to its central location, seamlessly connects all elements of the program: the auditorium, the new workshop room, and the media library.

The outdoor spaces interact with the indoor spaces of the lobby. The large public terrace is an extension of the bar. This terrace also connects to the media library's consultation areas. The beautiful existing tree crosses it to become the only natural parasol that will provide the necessary shade.