Location: Besançon, France.

Architect: Kengo Kuma and associates.

The Besancon Art and Culture Center is a project that aims to fuse history and architecture, water and light, city and nature. The building is designed to blend with its environment, blurring the line between interior and exterior. The roof is a key element of the design, symbolizing the fusion between built and not-built and acting as a landmark that unifies the city and its river. The building is divided into two functions, identifiable by subtle differences in the patterns of the façade composed of wood and steel panels. The Frac is partially located in an old brick warehouse building, while the CRR is more introverted. Both lobbies are connected by the roof, creating a semi-outdoor space flooded with natural light. The roof is composed of different elements such as glass, solar panels, vegetation, and metal panels with different color finishes, creating a pixelized layer that vibrates with natural light. The landscape design takes part in the pedestrian path along the river, extending and connecting the existing promenade. The building is installed on top of a pedestal due to flood risk, which can be physically experienced by walking below the “art passage” semi-outdoor space. The interior design is mainly structured by the façade and roof patterns, filtering natural light and creating a peaceful atmosphere. The views to the exterior are precisely framed, offering different space experiences. The project aims to generate an open and welcoming cultural center, a gate and a roof between the river and the city, in harmony with the environment.

Photo credit: Yohan Zerdoun.