Chemin Long District Town Hall, FR - Mérignac, 2020
Chemin Long District Town Hall
The Maison des habitants is a new public service concept launched by Mérignac. This project is part of a desire to strengthen local services and encourage social ties. This place is open to all, from municipal services to non-profit social organisations. It is a multi-purpose place of animation, support and listening. The building establishes strong links with its urban and natural environment, especially through the presence of large openings in the facades and thanks to its general volumetry. Its luminous materiality enhances its function, as it acts as a signal and a catalyst in such a changing urban context. While creating relationships with neighbouring constructions, the new building shows itself in counterpoint, presenting a calm geometry with perfectly squared off edges.
The buildings feature concrete in several forms, smooth or texture, and in both cases, in a natural colour in order to confer a certain finesse and harmony to the buildings. The facades, depending on their orientation, constantly show various faces: the shadows create a perpetual game, which evolves throughout the day and the seasons according to the position of the sun.