Le Foirail Multi-Service Center

Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux

Le Foirail Multi-Service Center

Betillon & Freyermuth Architects + crypto architectes

LEAD ARCHITECTS
Betillon Raphaël

DESIGN PRINCIPAL
Betillon & Freyermuth Architects

ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT
Crypto Architectes

PHOTOGRAPHS
Maxime Delvaux

AREA
1850 M²

YEAR
2024

LOCATION
Laguiole, France

CATEGORY
Public Architecture, Community Center

A "capable structure" in the countryside - For this project located on the Foirail square (livestock fair) in Laguiole, we suggested a hall, a structure that can accommodate a complex program.

Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux
Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux

Taking a strong stance on radical architecture, avoiding the regionalist pastiche with which we're uncomfortable, we won the competition.

The whole community of communes Aubrac Carladez Viadène came together to set up and support an ambitious program. Within this building, a music school, a media library, a nursery, and offices would coexist.

Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux
Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux

From a sustainability point of view, this building would also have to be adaptable enough to meet different future needs. This project consists of a "machine building", capable of reconfiguring itself infinitely.

This strong intention requires the different users to discuss beforehand the different surfaces that will be allotted to them to maintain global harmony within a strict grid.

Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux
Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux

A 5m x 5m wooden post-and-beam structure will be installed, capable of all configurations and reconfigurations which we will fill with glazed modules, folding bays, windows, automated louvers, and 2 motorized opening roofs allowing the patios to be used throughout the year in this mountain climate.

This impression of a "machine building" is further reinforced by a set of mechanisms allowing the building to self-regulate automatically, by opening up during the night, taking advantage of the ambient coolness.

Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux
Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux

All the different pipes and networks have been left visible to be easily and rapidly changeable in the future. This project showcases the agency's approach.

It is the result of thoughtful mechanisms and parameters, chosen and negotiated by and with a project team.

Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux
Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux

It was drawn gradually, spontaneously, in motion as smooth as automatic writing.

It is neither the result of a drawing nor the result of architectural inspiration.

Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux


Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux
Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux
Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux
Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux


Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux
Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux
Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux
Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux
Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux
Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux
Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
© Maxime Delvaux


Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
Plan 1
Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
Plan 2
Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
Plan 3
Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
Plan 4


Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
Plans
Le Foirail Multi-Service Center
Axonometry