The wet docks are a factor of identity for the harbor city of Bordeaux, real in-between space towards the estuary and the ocean. This regenerated district has seen tremendous changes over the last ten years : the wet docks have become a major piece of public space within the metropolis.

The G8 plot is set between the last piece of boulevard and the docks and takes advantage of an exceptional location at the heart of the district. It addresses its surrounding environment through its four facades. Largely open along its ground floor, it develops a two leveled envelope that recalls the rationally industrial past of the site, all the while conferring an abstract, timeless aesthetic. It is a specific expression within a generic volume, which is then repeated on the surrounding hangars. Two large patios at the second storey organize the plateaus and create convivial spaces that favor interaction between visitors. The views that the G8 offers are unobstructed and generous and the openings in the façade are adapted to its multiple interior uses.

Ville Bordeaux (33)

Date 2019

Client Eiffage Immobilier

Design Team Martin Duplantier Architectes, ECNA (BET TCE), Math Ingénierie (BET fluides, thermiques)

Mission Base

Budget 5 M€

Area 4 200 m²

About Martin Duplantier Architects

Martin Duplantier Architects develops projects in Europe and beyond. Paris and Bordeaux based, its works tackle the urban, landscape and architectural dimensions.
Projects such as the HEC Paris Campus, Zhang Jia Jie bridges and park in China or Le Corbusier Cité Radieuse in Marseille (France) illustrates its large spectrum of action.
Dedicating time and energy to balanced and resilient answers, Martin is also the president of the national Association for Architecture (AMO) gathering all actors of the city making.