The Maison de l'Architecture at Daytime
The is a competition entry of an center of architecture designed by Nadau Lavergne Architects in Bordeaux, France. The design is inherently simple: two oblong boxes are set afloat with vertical transitions (escalators, stairways) connecting them. Staggered engineered trusses are employed to support the individual floors and long span beams made out of hollow steel tubing support the ceiling for an auditorium on the topmost floor.
Longitudinal Section of the Center
The section/model was constructed to convey a sense of linearity. Situated near the Seine, the center of architecture would provide as a landmark to the beginning of the urban sector in Paris. Porous and oxidized metal cladding would block out the unwanted rays reflecting off the water's edge and a buffer of green delineates the entry point to the facility from the metropolitan corner.
Vertical Circulation via Escalators
The Auditorium Lit Up
Atrium and auditorium spaces are set apart to accentuate themselves in the evening. Floor and ceiling lights are set within parts of the structures (such as the staircases) to enhance the overall ambience of the structure. Colors are set at a minimum, but silver and gold accents are abundantly clear in this early schematic design.
The Atrium
Proposed Staggered Truss Structural System
For an unwieldy structure, the staggered truss makes sense. Braced by steel tubes in the original design, in actuality, this may better be braced by a system of chevron braces between floors (which would retain the minimal structure while economically functioning as a conduit for lateral loads.
The Finished Structure at Night
Lastly, a rendering at night emphasizes what the design is all about: standing out. This is not a design of a building. Rather, it is the design of a space. The space boldly separates itself from the built environments as the cars pace by. It declares, rather than fits in. Whether that's desirable or not is for the people of Bordeaux to decide.
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