Danish architecture studio BIG has unveiled plans for a mass-timber conference centre in Rouen, Normandy, featuring a swooping, sail-inspired roof. The project, named The Sail, is designed for the Rouen Normandy Metropolis and will connect the city with the Seine riverfront, providing a public and cultural hub for visitors and locals alike.
Design and Structure
The Sail will accommodate:
- Two auditoriums
- Exhibition spaces
- Meeting rooms
- A restaurant
The mass-timber structure will leave timber elements and curving rooflines exposed, emphasizing natural materials and structural elegance.
BIG drew inspiration from Rouen’s historic half-timbered houses for the building’s facades, while the roof’s form echoes ship sails, paying tribute to the city’s naval heritage. The sweeping roofline will be covered in photovoltaic panels, producing renewable energy for the building.
Public Spaces and Sustainability
- The tallest facade faces the Seine and main road, with long timber columns supporting a gently curving roof.
- On the city side, the roof slopes into six scalloped waves, forming canopies over outdoor public areas, extending the foyer into a human-scale urban landscape.
- Surrounding greenery will include trees and planted patches, watered using rainwater harvested from the roof.
- Interiors are designed to optimize daylight, enhancing energy efficiency and user comfort.
BIG partner Jakob Sand commented:
“Rising along the Seine, The Sail introduces a new silhouette to Rouen with its sweeping roofline paying tribute to the city’s naval heritage and historic skyline of spires… it is both a low-impact infrastructure and a cultural hub, offering an inclusive space for Rouen and its visitors.”
Context and BIG’s Recent Work
BIG’s recent projects include a conceptual city in the American desert and the four-building 670 Mesquit complex in Los Angeles, which recently received planning approval after nine years in development.