Tuesday, 29 July 2008 |
The aquatic complex Les Bains des Docks (animation here), designed by the 2008 Prtizker-prize winning architect Jean Nouvel
has just opened in the historical Port of Le Havre. Inspired by the
Roman thermal baths, the 5,000-square-meter complex offers an eerily
beautiful atmosphere of tranquility with the fantastic play of natural
light soothing the eyes, the masterful acoustics pleasing the ears, and
the pools and treatment areas taking care of the rest of the body.
Although
the main “color” of the complex is white, each section’s distinct
atmosphere and hue is created by flowing water curtains, color walls,
and various textures and surface treatments. Each pool – lap-pool,
children’s pool, whirlpools – is designed, shaped and lit to create a
unique “private space” for its specific users. These seemingly enclosed
areas help minimize echoing and sound carriage – an annoying aspect of
most aquatic centers -- as do the varying-height floors and ceilings,
and the acoustic false ceilings. Saunas, a hammam, cold and hot baths,
and a spa area with hydro-massage and aquagym areas complete the
atmosphere of pampering and care. An external lagoon makes the summer
use of the complex even more appealing.
The Docks in the south end of the ancient port city of Le Havre are
the oldest docks in France. The area is under massive revitalization
with the goal of making this a leisure, culture and shopping
neighborhood. When completed, the area will include residences, a large
park, a tropical greenhouse, cinemas, bowling alleys and a shopping
center, plus a Nouvel-designed Sea and Sustainable Development Centre
to be completed in 2011. The Sea Centre will be a showcase of shipping
and sailing – exploring their economic and industrial significance as
well as their environmental impact on coasts and estuaries. It will be
a 120-meter-high metallic structure dominating the port and it will
include exhibit areas, an aquarium, a meteorological station and a
restaurant with panoramic, 360-degree views of Port of Le Havre.
Nouvel’s
well-known public buildings literally span the world from New York to
Reykjavik, Dubai, Soul and Tangiers. Recent interesting buildings
include the bright-red research center for the maker of brakes for
luxury cars, Brembo, in Italy. NouveI's masterpiece for La Philharmonie de Paris will open in 2012. - Tuija Seipell
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Les Bains des Docks 
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