Architects: MBL architectes, bureau David Apheceix
Location: Boissy-le-Châtel, France
Area: 500 m²
Year: 2020
Photographs: Maxime Verret, Yann Stofer
Manufacturers: Béton Briard
Revitalizing Industrial Spaces for 10 Years
For a decade, MBL architectes has undertaken the gradual transformation of a former industrial mill in Boissy-le-Châtel, France. This metamorphosis aims to shape the site into a contemporary art venue for Galleria Continua. The ongoing project, initiated in 2013, is dedicated to preserving the distinctive industrial landscape while incorporating elements of horticultural beauty and wild endemic species, creating a harmonious blend with the existing industrial structures.
Skatepark Continua: Blurring Boundaries Through Skate Culture
The Skatepark Continua, a part of this broader project, stems from extensive research on spaces influenced by skate cultures. The findings, presented in a publication and an exhibition at Villa Noailles in Hyères, France, in 2016, highlighted the pivotal role skateparks play in the development of territories. Contrary to expectations, skateparks act as inclusive spaces, drawing a diverse population ranging from children and parents to enthusiasts engaged in various rolling sports.
A Hub of Community and Creativity
Skateparks transcend their role as mere sports facilities; they cultivate temporary communities and lasting friendships. The Skatepark Continua, strategically placed within the gallery’s premises, not only attracted a new audience to contemporary art but also served as a communal space for local residents.
Concrete Artistry: Crafting the Skatepark
The construction of Skatepark Continua is a testament to the possibilities of working with wet concrete. On-site, metal frames were meticulously assembled and welded. Fresh concrete was then sprayed onto the metal reinforcement, skillfully manipulated into the desired forms before setting. The process, largely empirical, relied on the expertise of mason-skaters who not only constructed but also shaped the skatepark. The construction unfolded as a performance, celebrating the convergence of a visionary project with a unique site.
Exploring the Fluidity of Design
Inspired by the fluidity characteristic of early skateparks from the 1970s, Skatepark Continua seeks to emulate the organic forms found in the pre-digital era. The design pays homage to the empirical origins of non-standard architecture, predating the parametric architecture that gained prominence in the 21st century.
Seamless Integration with the Landscape
Crafted as a continuous strip with no rigid delineation, the skatepark emerges as a landscape structure. Following the contours of old railway tracks within the industrial site, it seamlessly integrates with the surrounding trees and foliage. The curved lines of raw concrete delicately trace the shadows of lime trees, poplars, birches, and buddleias. The design adapts organically to the specificities of the ground and existing vegetation, embracing the site’s natural features without preconceived notions.
In the heart of Boissy-le-Châtel, the Skatepark Continua stands not only as a haven for skaters but as a concrete testament to the transformative power of inclusive design, blurring the lines between art, sport, and nature.
