The Léo Lagrange Sports Complex represents a new and ambitious public facility designed to inspire local youth and promote interaction within the neighborhood. Located in the economically disadvantaged city of Val-de-Reuil, this complex offers high-quality sports facilities and a large wooded park, seamlessly integrating into the urban environment and respecting the scale of the surrounding residential buildings.
The Léo Lagrange Sports Complex is a symbol of rebirth and inclusivity for the Val-de-Reuil community. This project of urban architecture curated by STUDIOS Architecture demonstrates how thoughtful design can enhance urban life quality, providing spaces for physical activity, social interaction, and connection with nature.
The axis of the building, arranged diagonally to the surrounding street grid, emphasizes the exceptional character of the complex and creates angled perspectives of its different forms. The three main volumes of the complex – the multipurpose hall, the dojo, and the combat room – along with the central reception and changing areas, are staggered from each other. This design not only directly expresses the functional program but also creates undulating green spaces around the building, reinforcing the civic ambition of the project with a spacious and welcoming square at the entrance.
The treatment of the facades of the Léo Lagrange Sports Complex finds a harmonious balance between two distinct materials to articulate different scales. The base with a wooden facade is designed to respond to the surrounding residential area, creating a sense of continuity with the neighborhood. The upper part of the building rises in elegant folds of corrugated metal inspired by origami, reflecting and meeting the sky, giving the building a dynamic and light appearance.
The plans of the complex have been designed to optimize the functional layout, seeking efficiency in the overall footprint and building area. The basketball and handball courts, the dojo and combat areas, and the changing rooms are accessible from a central hall that also opens onto two internal courtyards bringing in natural light. This design provides distinct environments for the different sports halls, maintaining an overall coherence.
Every space in the sports complex has been designed with a specific theme in mind. The basketball court area evokes the spirit of the NBA, the dojo is inspired by Japanese martial arts culture, while the combat area has a more dynamic atmosphere, with contrasting tones of blue and black. The exposed wooden structure harmonizes the interiors and provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the building.
As part of its sustainable approach, the project has adopted construction techniques that minimize the building's carbon footprint. The structure and beams are made of glulam spruce sourced from Austria, a biobased material that offers additional benefits. Off-site prefabrication and quick on-site assembly reduce material waste and disturbances to the surrounding area.
The solar panels installed on the complex generate renewable energy, while the excavation resulting from the construction has been used to create undulations in the park that optimize rainwater collection. The landscaped areas preserve existing trees and integrate new species, with the planting of over a hundred trees. The resulting park is a magnificent addition to the city's green belt and a new destination for residents.
