Inte­rior

The Prat­graus­sals commu­nity centre is a major amenity, part of the commu­nity, invi­ting, conceived to cater for the wide range of events that it needs to accom­mo­date.

The brief stipu­lates the cons­truc­tion of a large hall to seat 500, plus asso­ciated services: recep­tion, dres­sing rooms, tech­nical logi­stics, kitchens, manage­ment, as well as the neces­sary external deve­lo­p­ments in the meadow to the west, with its events stage.

Func­tion­a­lity and uses

The centre of the project is the large events hall, whose roof makes it possible to adapt a recep­tion area by decom­po­sing it into three sepa­rate spaces, thus being able to accom­mo­date a range of confi­gu­ra­tions. Parti­cular care was given to ensure both natural light during the daytime, as well as the possi­bi­lity to black out for shows or projec­tions.

At either end of this space are, to the south the main entrance to the buil­ding, and to the north a secon­dary entrance, provi­ding the option of exten­ding the events’ space out into these two addi­tional volumes. A broad canopy protects the southern entrance from the summer sun or provides shelter from the rain. On the north side, the canopy extends out away from the buil­ding, forming an external space like a little patio giving onto the park, which can be priva­tised. To the east, a func­tional concept provides access the entire buil­ding via an internal access passage.

Mate­rials

This large space is covered by a zinc roof consis­ting of eight clearly defined pitches, contri­bu­ting to the iconic form of the buil­ding. The facades are clad in timber from the Limousin region. The bases of the walls are in prefa­bri­cated concrete studded with pebbles from the neigh­bou­ring Tarn river. The mate­rials are simple and natural, signs of basic comfort and real dura­bi­lity.