The proposal for the future Cultural Laboratory of Cambrai, designed by CAAU (Coldefy & Associés Architectes Urbanistes) aims to provide as much as possible, the addition of a contemporary building on the ground floor, allowing the laboratory to develop principally on one level. This strategic connection will also allow, in a second phase, a link with the future extension of the museum. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The project is situated opposite the cathedral at the heart of several major axes on the south side of the city. This site provides a unique opportunity for cultural and urban emulation that defines the architectural features of the project according to strict rules of urban composition and original architectural dialogue. The orthogonal composition of the historic buildings is confronted obliquelyby the contemporary ground floor.
At the same time that it is grafted onto the existing structure, the extension envelops the body of the principal wing of the historical building, acting as a frame. The boundaries between the interior and exterior spaces are blurred, on one hand by the internalization of the existing historical walls and on the other through the complete opening of the spaces onto the courtyard and the garden.
The visitor passes freely between the spaces of the former Collège and those of the contemporary extension, the two spaces completing each other and forming a vast spatial continuum to explore.
Architects: CAAU (Coldefy & Associés Architectes Urbanistes)
Location: Cambrai, France
Team: Jean-Christophe Denise, dUCKSscéno, Etienne Poncelet, HDM, Sogeti, CCVH
Client: Communauté d’Agglomération de Cambrais
Project Type: Mediatheque + Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Center
Status: Competition entry
Area: 4,150 m²
Year: 2012
