Rouen, France | Unveiled the Project of “The Sail”, its New Striking Convention Center

Rouen, vibrant city and capital of the region Normandy, a bustling port hub on the River Seine, in northwestern France, important centre in the Roman era and Middle Ages, through Métropole Rouen Normandie, intercommunal public structure centred on the city of Rouen which has the purpose to synchronize public services and build a better metropolitan area by combining the resources and efforts of its 71 municipalities. has unveiled the project of “The Sail”, its new, strikingConvention Center. 

The city is famous for its historical significance, particularly as the site of Joan of Arc’s trial and execution, and for its rich architectural heritage, including the stunning Cathedral, its famous astronomical gothic clock from the 14th century, the Gros Horologe, a picturesque medieval quarter with numerous half - timbered houses, and also for its vibrant gastronomic scene.

Presented last October, the project marks the latest architectural landmark for Métropole Rouen Normandie and will rise on a former site, near the Pont Gustave - Flaubert, a vertical lift - bridge over the river Seine, officially opened on 25th September 2008 close the interchange of the Autoroute de Normandie (A13) highway.

The design is nicknamed “The Sail “ due to its distinctive, wave - like roof that evokes sails and Rouen’s naval history and was unveiled by the Danish architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), known for its “pragmatic utopian” design philosophy, which blends imaginative, ambitious concepts with practical, sustainable, and functional solutions. 

The project embodies Rouen’s historic connection to the Seine River and maritime heritage and aims to serve as a modern civic and cultural destination that reconnect the city with its waterfront while embracing forward - looking sustainability goals. 

Sustainability is central to the concept. The architects plan to use bio - sourced materials and natural ventilation systems, with the goal of achieving energy self - sufficiency. To mitigate flood risks from the Seine, the entire structure will be slightly elevated, protecting its foundations from rising water.

 Entirely constructed from timber, the Convention Center will feature a sweeping roof shaped like ship sails, a tribute to the outstanding Rouen’s naval history, its celebrated Armada tall ship gatherings, and the impressionist vision of emblematic painters such as Corot and Monet. 

The roof will be be fitted with photovoltaic panels, allowing the building to generate its own energy.
The building’s timber and glass facades will also echo the texture of the city’s traditional half - timbered houses. 

Toward the Seine, tall wooden columns will support an undulating rooline creating a strong visual link between the city and the waterfront. On the urban side, the roof flows downward into six waves that form shaped canopies.

The conference center will house a stunning exhibition hall with movable partitions. It will features a 1.400 - seat auditorium for conferences and cultural events, modular exhibition halls and various meeting rooms, alongside a dining area of equal capacity than can be subdivided into three independent rooms, each with its own kitchen. The top floor will host several multipurpose rooms to accommodate smaller meetings and workshops. 

The project’s landscape design will also include rain gardens with planted areas to collect and filter rainwater from the roof, naturally irrigating the soil while enhancing the site’s biodiversity. 

Construction is expected to be completed by 2032, giving Rouen time to relocate existing tenants and prepare the site for one of Normandy’s most ambitious architecture projects to date and to offer Rouen the image of a cutting - edge international conference city.

Link 
https://www.travelmole.com/news/france-congress-center-rouen-normandy/