![Gymnase Henri Fogel in Saint Nazaire](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Gymnase-Henri-Fogel-Saint-Nazaire-by-Christophe-Rousselle-Architecte-01-474x567.jpg)
This sporting facility forms a continuity with the architectural heritage already present on the site of the Saint Nazaire sports centre.
![Gymnase Henri Fogel in Saint Nazaire](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Gymnase-Henri-Fogel-Saint-Nazaire-by-Christophe-Rousselle-Architecte-02-474x316.jpg)
Made entirely of raw concrete, with large irregular plate glass windows, the gymnasium symbolises the desire to create generous volumes as a function of their internal use.
![Gymnase Henri Fogel in Saint Nazaire](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Gymnase-Henri-Fogel-Saint-Nazaire-by-Christophe-Rousselle-Architecte-03-474x316.jpg)
Despite being an imposing project, it finds lightness in its canted walls and the thickness of the outer shell.
![Gymnase Henri Fogel in Saint Nazaire](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Gymnase-Henri-Fogel-Saint-Nazaire-by-Christophe-Rousselle-Architecte-04-474x301.jpg)
Two optical illusions have been created thanks to the variation of the roof tip and the repetition, between shade and light, of the posts that encircle the edifice.
![Gymnase Henri Fogel in Saint Nazaire](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Gymnase-Henri-Fogel-Saint-Nazaire-by-Christophe-Rousselle-Architecte-05-474x316.jpg)
A vegetalised roof has been added to create artificial relief, directly modelled in relation to its immediate context.
![Gymnase Henri Fogel in Saint Nazaire](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Gymnase-Henri-Fogel-Saint-Nazaire-by-Christophe-Rousselle-Architecte-06-474x400.jpg)
Inside, extensive terraced seating opens onto an exceptionally large playing surface that can accommodate two handball courts, with no load bearing element for more than 2,200 m² of wooden flooring.
![Gymnase Henri Fogel in Saint Nazaire](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Gymnase-Henri-Fogel-Saint-Nazaire-by-Christophe-Rousselle-Architecte-07-474x310.jpg)
The roof, with its random perforations, lets natural light into all the playing areas. Source by Christophe Rousselle Architecte.
![Gymnase Henri Fogel in Saint Nazaire](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Gymnase-Henri-Fogel-Saint-Nazaire-by-Christophe-Rousselle-Architecte-08-474x316.jpg)
Location: 21 bis avenue Pierre de Coubertin, 44600 Saint Nazaire, France
Architects: Christophe Rousselle Architecte
Project Manager: Matthew Janmot, Noari Yamazoe (project)
Technical Design Office: Berim
Concrete Structure: Keel
Metal Structure: David Workshops
OPC: AIA management
Control Office: Socotec – St Nazaire Agency
Acoustic study office: Development Signal
Coordinator SPS: Cobati
Insert: Carene
Geotechnical – ground study: Kornog companies
Earthworks – Structural Work – metal structural: KEEL CN / Workshops David
Cover – green roof – tightness: SEO
External joinery – closures: Mirrors West
Joinery inland: Perrin
Partitions – dubbing – suspended ceilings: Jugeur Atlantic
Flooring – earthenware: Rossi
Elevators devices: CFA
Plumbing – Health: FEE
Heating – Ventilation: Blandin / SNEL Oceane
Electricite cfo / cfa: Fauche
Sports facilities: Marty Sports
Sports floors: Sportingsols
Client: City of Saint-Nazaire
Area: 2750 m2
Budget: € 4.1 million
Year: September 2015
Photographs: Philippe Ruault, Courtesy of Christophe Rousselle Architecte
![Gymnase Henri Fogel in Saint Nazaire](https://aasarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/Gymnase-Henri-Fogel-Saint-Nazaire-by-Christophe-Rousselle-Architecte-09-474x316.jpg)
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