Cité de l'Océan et du Surf

Biarritz, France
© Iwan Baan
Photo © Iwan Baan
Photo © Iwan Baan
Photo © Iwan Baan
Photo © Iwan Baan
Drawing © Steven Holl Architects
Architects
Steven Holl Architects
Location
1 avenue de la plage, 64200 Biarritz, France
Year
2011
Program

exhibition area, auditorium, restaurant, cafeteria and offices

Client
City of Biarritz / Adim Sud Ouest

Size
40,903 sq ft

The Cité de l’Océan et du Surf Museum intends to raise awareness of oceanic issues and explore educational and scientific aspects of the surf and sea and their role upon our leisure, science, and ecology. The project, designed in collaboration with Solange Fabião, is comprised of a museum building, exhibition areas, and a plaza, within a larger master plan. The building form derives from the spatial concept “under the sky”/“under the sea”. A concave “under the sky” shape creates a central gathering plaza, open to sky and sea, with the horizon in the distance. The convex structural ceiling forms the “under the sea” exhibition spaces. This concept generates a unique profile and form for the building, and through its insertion and efficient site utilization, the project integrates seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

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Other Projects by Steven Holl Architects

Knut Hamsun Center
Hamaroy, Norway
New Wing of Mumbai City Museum
Mumbai, India
Ex of IN House
Rhinebeck, USA
Horizontal Skyscraper
Shenzhen, China
Glassell School of Art, MFAH
Houston, USA