Ethical standards and social inclusion – People

Sports equals all: Our project is not only a constructed object; it represents a balance between various and complementary contingencies: an urban project, an architectural will, but above all a program for all. From conception, we have integrated UCPA, to promote openness and accessibility. Together, we are committed to a shared, social and united use. As such, they practice low tariffs close to municipal facilities and therefore are accessible to all. The building will not only be used by the residents but also by scholars from the schools situated on the right bank of the Garonne River. In addition, UCPA, which is an established multigenerational organization, has set up a pedagogical partnership with youths alongside WWF for the protection of species and their natural environment. 

Resource and environmental performance – Planet

Architecture equals environment: The architecture of the building is in itself environmental. The project was designed without a façade, allowing the natural surroundings to flow into the building. A braided mesh acts as a wind break, filtering sunlight as well, which reduces 90 % of the ventilation system’s load – the air is naturally renewed, and mechanical smoke removal is minimized. The structure could be interpreted as plain concrete slabs, supporting various sports facilities, out of which only 30 % of them require heating. Through the sobriety of the design and the tectonics of the architectural elements, the cathedral succeeds in integrating deeply in its environment and becoming an integral part of it.

Contextual and aesthetic impact – Place

Building equals city: The project is intended as a superposition on public squares on six levels. On each of these city platforms, small architectures develop, releasing, by their inflections small urban spaces totally open toward the outside. The hoppers, half-slabs and open staircases create conditions for a tangible synergy between the programs. The absence of a façade and the installation of only a transparent sports net allows the sports spaces to communicate, and creates this mise en scene in the neighborhood. Golfers like climbers will see and be seen. Squash players will mix with paddle-tennis players. The context of the building is both inside and out. Sports will be decompartmentalized to become an urban asset. A city in the city.