MVRDV has won a competition to renovate and extend the Palais du Commerce in Rennes, France. Developed in collaboration with co-architects Bernard Desmoulin and developers Frey and Engie Avenue, the transformation of the historic landmark will “signify a renaissance for both the building and its surroundings.”
The MVRDV scheme will reactivate both the Place de la Republique and the Palais, turning a former public building into a centerpiece of the city’s main commercial street as was originally intended. While being respectful to the existing building, the MVRDV proposal adopts a critical approach to its drawbacks, such as transparency and accessibility.
Architecture photographer Ana Amado has shared with us a set of photographs featuring Álvaro Siza's recently inaugurated Church of Saint-Jacques de la Lande, in Rennes—the first church built in Brittany, France this century.
As in many other Siza buildings, this church is built in white concrete and pays special attention to the natural light, which bathes the altar, tabernacle, pulpit and baptismal font from above. Externally, different volumes—blocks, cylinders and incisions—add to the overall mass of the building, distinguishing it from the neighboring housing blocks, while the use of few openings helps to establish a solid, permanent presence in the natural environment. Check Ana Amado's set of photographs below:
A team consisting of MVRDV, ALL + Giboire has won a competition for the project Ilot de l’Octroi, a new residential redevelopment in the city of Rennes, France that will transform the area into a socially adhesive green community along the Ille et Vilaine rivers.
France-based Tetrarc Architects has revealed their design for the new Conservatory of Rennes in France. Intended to be the cornerstone of a new urban project, the fifty-meter long cubic volume is intersected by “cuts and curves that give it an elegant, sculptural presence.” This cultural facility will bring five programs under one roof, including spaces for musical activities, an auditorium, dance theaters, administration spaces, and an area for the Pont Supérieur Music Department.
Designed by Jean-Paul Viguier et Associés, in collaboration with Yves-Marie Maurer Architecture and the Atelier Blanchard Marsault Pondevie, their 'Eurorennes Ilot Féval' winning proposal consists of an approximately 22,000m2 office and commercial space, which also includes a theatre arthouse cinema. Located on the south bank of the train station in Rennes, France, the project will be serviced by the TGV (bullet train) with an expected completion date in 2017. More images after the break.
Paris based architects, Atelier Zündel & Cristea, have shared with us their design for the new Saint Germain metro station in Rennes, France. Additional images and a brief description from the architects are available after the break.
French architects a/LTA shared with us their entry for a restricted competition to design a housing project in the city of Rennes, France. More images and architect’s description after the break.
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