In the centre of the city founded by Napoleon, a composite site accommodates the new town hall and museum. Serving citizens and the dynamics of the city centre, site regeneration is proposed. A glass-roofed atrium accommodates the new functions while the museum tower is located within the nave of the former courthouse.
On Place Napoléon, the geographical centre of La Roche-sur-Yon, the operation is wedged between the former courthouse with its remarkable neoclassical portico and the art deco post office flanked by an 1980s extension - a marked stylistic difference which the new infill building manages to reconcile.
Ground Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
With concrete trumeaux, the new facades adopt a sober, very classic contemporary style which expresses the institutional character of the building.
A delicate glass volume caps the complex. A link between eras and functions, it undulates and becomes more discreet as it approaches the listed facade of the courthouse.
The atrium embodies public speech. From a rostrum sunk into the pediment which reveals the apse of the former courthouse, elected officials can address citizens.
Creating transparency between Rue Clémenceau and Rue Allende, the atrium accommodates all functions; wedding hall and auditorium on the ground floor with offices on the upper floors. The glazed roof cap is detailed with lightness, located on the rear pediment of the courthouse to highlight it.
Madeleine d’Ersu, PROJECT ARCHITECT
« We wanted to design a modest building. With its timber frame, the glass roof is a sober structure both ecologically and economically. We also identified in La Roche-sur-Yon several companies specialised in low-carbon concrete. We wanted to support local skills. »
Like all communities, La Roche-sur-Yon had to deal with the Covid-19 crisis. The project will be undertaken in two phases. Initially the town and regional hall, then the museum - a schedule which allows to spread investment without altering the project.
Originally designed by the engineer Claude-Raphaël Duvivier, the former courthouse has regained its initial appearance. Setback, the contemporary elevation is almost imperceptible from Place Napoléon.
Status
Town and regional hall - 2025 completion; museum - 2028 completion
Location
La Roche-sur-Yon (85)
Client
Ville de La Roche-sur-Yon
Programme
Rehabilitation and reconstruction of city and regional hall square and new art and history museum
Area
4 700 m² et 4 000 m²
Cost
29,7 M€
Lead architect
Richez_Associés
Design team
Richez_Associés + Chartier-Corbasson Architectes + Duks Scéno + Novam Ingénierie + Area + Gantha + VS-A
Each project is an opportunity to test, improve and intergrate new practices. The 26 Lab team leaders support our teams to implement this practical innovation approach.
