Alençon, France (2014)
open competition, winning project, full scope
client: Ville d’Alençon
design team: D PAYSAGE (lead landscape architects), Infra Services (infrastructure engineers), Aartill (lighting)
D PAYSAGE : Diala Haddad, Noémie Sabban
surface area: 13 000 m²
budget: 1 700 000 € HT

Esplanade for the new Anova Exhibition Hall  --

Located at the western entrance to Alençon, this landscaping project initiates the redevelopment of the town’s gateway and provides the new Exhibition Centre and the « Luciole » concert hall with a functional, modern forecourt.

The treatment of the ground surface establishes a dialogue and a sense of coherence with the architecture of these two facilities. Three types of bituminous surfacing form the palette for a geometric composition, structured by white concrete lines. This combination of durable, cost-effective materials lends an appealing character to this new « cultural hub »—a vibrant space for the residents of Alençon. Using the same graphic vocabulary, raised, grass-covered ground facets showcase the buildings and mark access points; LED lines trace the ground facets, while vertical masts provide a welcoming glow for visitors. Additionally, light strips and floodlights dynamically illuminate the facades of the two landmark buildings, giving the forecourt a distinctive identity at night.