Built in 1975, the “Complexe de la République” in Pau is located in southwestern France, facing the majestic Pyrenees Mountains. Over the years, the covered market and adjacent small office buildings fell into disrepair, leading to a decline in the area. Ameller Dubois Studio won an international competition by proposing comprehensive plans focusing on imagery, purpose, design, construction, and urban planning. Their vision centers on serving the residents of this vibrant city, thus taking on the responsibility for revitalizing the project. This unique location has been rediscovered as part of the urban development strategy aimed at rejuvenating the community.
The new multi-purpose building seamlessly connects the stall-style commercial hall, manufacturer floors, and the restored office building via a spacious upper square. This design fosters a unified atmosphere and imbues the complex with a strong, meaningful identity that ties together all project elements.
The new commercial hall features a simple yet elegant design with a cohesive exterior and roof cladding made from white metal mesh with varying perforations. The interior is pillar-free to encourage interaction between retailers and visitors, while wide walkways converge around a central double-height atrium. A mezzanine on the building’s first floor naturally extends from a wooden terrace, becoming a standout feature. Part of the white structural mesh shelters an outdoor dining area, and the all-glass facade with horizontal intersections connects the manufacturer floors and the stall-style commercial hall harmoniously.
The restored office building continues its role in serving the community, housing municipal police and urban services. The architectural treatment differentiates its two sections while maintaining a complementary relationship. The tower’s new contours have been raised by 8 meters and 4 meters respectively, giving it a more slender profile. The eastern section of the complex and the market hall at the opposite end share the same white structural cladding, whereas the terrace side is adorned with folded perforated bronze vertical panels that gently move with the wind.
The black and white wrinkled metal cladding visually divides the building into two distinct parts, enhancing its refined appearance through contrast and harmony. The renovation is planned in three phases to ensure continuous operation of the original site throughout the process.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ Plan View
△ Plan View
△ Plan View
△ Section Diagram
Project Information
Architectural Design: Ameller Dubois
Area: 16,400 m²
Project Year: 2021
Photographers: © Franck Brouillet, © JF Tremege
Manufacturers: Jansen, Gerflor, HIGHT POINT, HIMFLOOR, KONE, La Seigneurie, OPTILED, Philips, Saint-Gobain, Schueco
Lead Architect: Ameller Dubois
Architecture Competition: Grégoire Seidel
Research: Lotfi Amara, Émilie Marx
Constructor: Vincent Hubert
Location: Paris, France
Must log in before commenting!
Sign Up