Oscar Niemeyer cultural and sports center

In response to harsh architectural surroundings, the architects chose to propose a simple and elegant project with a sober shape. Besides, considering the tough social context, the Oscar Niemeyer Centre was designed to be proud of. Therefore, the residents of the neighbourhood may respect and preserve this facility. The facades are largely glazed and the building can be seen as a large and bright space open to the public.

Located on the heights of Dieppe, the Oscar Niemeyer Sports and Cultural Centre represents the revival of Val Druel district. Named after the master plan's designer, the project incorporates the natural slope creating a balcony which reveals landscape qualities. Its refined shape accentuates the surroundings, as the pétanque strip terrace and the nearby woods. The main space offers a seven metres ceiling height and a threesided view. Inner activities can be seen from the car park and the pedestrian lanes, passersby can even look through the building. The separation between inside and outside is blurred, the Centre itself provides an alternative walk connecting the lower and higher esplanades.

Given the large span, the frame was made of steel. Responding to this regular structure, ground-floor concrete walls follow a rigorous joint layout. Design sobriety is balanced by attention to detail and quality of materiality. The project combines raw materials: cast concrete, larch wood, white painted hollow bricks, and produces a kind of preciousness. As witnessed by the oblique line carved in concrete to guide visitors towards the entrance hall, or by circles of light which underline the acroterion at nightfall, reminding curtain folds.