Forum des Carmes – Istres

LE FORUM DES CARMES

ISTRES

CONTRACTING AUTHORITY: KAUFMAN & BROAD

MISSION:  COMPLETE MISSION

BE PARTNERS: TPFI / BECCAMEL / ELITHIS  

PHASE: BUILD IN PROGRESS

On the outskirts of the historic town centre, this mixed development of offices, retail units and housing has a contemporary and elegant architectural style and takes into account the dialogue it must create with the existing environment.

Its connection with said environment has been created through an arrangement of small squares. The retail building has been designed to create a focal point visible from the public areas. A simple shape with coloured metal cladding, its height allows for an uncluttered entrance with curtain walls topped with an overhanging roof.

The buildings are arranged around a central island that creates a breathing space in the development’s heart, a promenade inside the plot that merges with the public areas. The inner streets will be stone-paved using stones identical to the façades.

THE DETAIL

A more contemporary vocabulary for the central buildings; the concrete flagstone base sits beneath panels that or more or less separated and angled, generating a kinetic effect for the boulevard.