The aquatic complex Les Bains des Docks (animation here), designed by the 2008 Prtizker-prize winning architect Jean Nouvelhas just opened in the historical Port of Le Havre. Inspired by theRoman thermal baths, the 5,000-square-metre complex offers an eerilybeautiful atmosphere of tranquility with the fantastic play of naturallight soothing the eyes, the masterful acoustics pleasing the ears, andthe pools and treatment areas taking care of the rest of the body.
Althoughthe main ‘colour’ of the complex is white, each section’s distinctatmosphere and hue is created by flowing water curtains, colour walls,and various textures and surface treatments. Each pool — lap-pool,children’s pool, whirlpools — is designed, shaped and lit to create aunique ‘private space’ for its specific users. These seemingly enclosedareas help minimize echoing and sound carriage — an annoying aspect ofmost aquatic centres – 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 theatmosphere of pampering and care. An external lagoon makes the summeruse of the complex even more appealing.
TheDocks in the south end of the ancient port city of Le Havre are theoldest docks in France. The area is under massive revitalization withthe goal of making this a leisure, culture and shopping neighborhood.When completed, the area will include residences, a large park, atropical greenhouse, cinemas, bowling alleys and a shopping center,plus a Nouvel-designed Sea and Sustainable Development Centre to becompleted in 2011. The Sea Centre will be a showcase of shipping andsailing — exploring their economic and industrial significance as wellas their environmental impact on coasts and estuaries. It will be a120-meter-high metallic structure dominating the port and it willinclude exhibit areas, an aquarium, a meteorological station and arestaurant with panoramic, 360-degree views of Port of Le Havre.
Nouvel’swell-known public buildings literally span the world from New York toReykjavik, Dubai, Soul and Tangiers. Recent interesting buildingsinclude the bright-red research center for the maker of brakes forluxury cars, Brembo, in Italy. NouveI’s masterpiece for La Philharmonie de Paris will open in 2012. – Tuija Seipell
Recent posts
-
September 12, 2023
Government Office, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Polish-born, Abu Dhabi-based designer Agata Kurzela has completed an impressive refurbishment of a 1908 heritage building in Abu Dhabi’s historic Khor Al Maqta district. In the...
-
September 9, 2023
Il Ristoro di Cristiano Filippini, Castelfranco di Sopra, Tuscany, Italy
Every day since its opening in 1785, Antica Macelleria Filippini Cristiano at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele has been the destination of meat-loving inhabitants of the small...
-
September 4, 2023
Obumex Showroom – Paris, France
Obumex, the Belgian studio known for handcrafted luxury kitchens as well as complete interiors and renovations has opened its first showroom in Paris. Located at...
-
September 1, 2023
Zaura Jewellery Boutique, Ahmedabad, India
More a showroom than a shop, the first location of Zaura jewelry is a fantastic juxtaposition of elements: Bulky rock vs. dainty filigree jewelry. But...
-
August 9, 2023
PNY Burger restaurant, Nantes, France
Opening their 14th PNY Burger restaurant in Nantes, France, is part of the continuous learning process, that the owners, long term friends Graffi Rathamohan and Rudy...
-
July 17, 2023
The Dolli Hotel – Athens, Greece (Review)
Never thought we would say this about a hotel anywhere, but perfection has indeed arrived in the Athens hotel scene in the form of Grecotel’s...
-
May 26, 2023
Renovation of A. Quincy Jones’s Smalley House, Holmby Hills – Los Angeles, USA
In 2006, when philanthropist and gallerist Shulamit Nazarian bought the famous Smalley House designed by A. Quincy Jones in 1973 on Holmby Hills in Los...
-
May 22, 2023
Loft Renovation, Marais, Paris, France
When we first saw the recent loft renovation project by the Parisian design firm Agence Véronique Cotrel we knew we needed to find out more. The...
-
May 11, 2023
NM Restaurant, Oviedo, Asturia, Spain
Barcelona-based Hazard Studio founder Alfredo Rodriquez has created a tiny puff ball of a restaurant, NM in the revitalized El Vasco Station shopping centre located in...
-
April 12, 2023
Socca Bistro, Mayfair, London, UK
Lyon, France-born, two-Michelin-star chef Claude Bosi has opened a new culinary enterprise, Socca, located on Mayfair’s South Audley Street in a Grade II-listed building. Socca describes its...
-
April 10, 2023
G.Bar Brave Beauty Salon, Kyiv, Ukraine
Starting a business at any time is risky and challenging. Starting one in particularly uncertain times is doubly so. But starting one when your country...
-
April 9, 2023
Officine Universelle Buly Boutique, Kobe, Japan
The LVMH-owned French beauty brand Officine Universelle Buly has recently opened yet another boutique in Japan. It was designed by the brand’s co-owner and creative director...