Location: Cherbourg, France.

Architect: HARDEL LE BIHAN ARCHITECTES.

The Le Pavillon des expositions permanentes de la Cité de la Mer is a museum building located next to the famous submarine Le Redoutable. It was designed by Studio Milou in 2002 and can accommodate up to 1,000 visitors. The interior spaces are being completely transformed to enhance the aquariums, modernize the scenography, and provide a better working environment for the museum teams. The architects are working with scenographer Pascal Payeur to enrich the material palette, including the use of embossed stainless steel plates to enhance the immersive effect of the visit. Some architectural modifications are also necessary, such as starting the tour at R+2 with a large escalator, modifying the entrance to avoid crowded areas, and demolishing some floors to create better views. The renovation is being carried out by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes, with a team including a muséographe, a graphic designer, and audio multimedia and lighting consultants. The project is being overseen by the Ville de Cherbourg-en-Cotentin and is expected to cost 3.5 million euros.

Photo credit: Svend Andersen.