Brest Maritime Station | 2024

The Brittany region is the organizing authority for maritime connections between Brest and the Ponant Islands: Le Conquet, Molène, Ouessant, and Sein. It ensures territorial continuity for island residents, as well as serving tourists (45,000 people/year) and freight (11,000 tons/year).

Located on the first spur of Brest’s commercial port (Brittany, France), the current maritime terminal dates back to 1948 and no longer meets present-day needs. The project therefore involves demolishing and rebuilding a new terminal on the same site.

The program includes a maritime terminal, a logistics platform, and office spaces. The total construction area is 3,000 m² on a plot of approximately 8,500 m².

The placement of built structures on the first spur is designed to balance the necessary shared use of land for multiple functions and activities: to the north, the multimodal forecourt; to the west, the public promenade; to the east, the freight terminal; and to the south, outdoor storage and the boarding area. While these three components have their own distinct codes and operations, the goal is to create a unified architectural language and to design them cohesively.

The forecourt provides a smooth transition between the city and the terminal, ensuring optimal accessibility for all users. This area organizes the interaction of pedestrian and motorized traffic flows.

Along the East Quay of the first basin, the arrangement of volumes housing the maritime terminal creates an urban sequence of moderate height, enhancing the public promenade and minimizing cast shadows. The façades feature a light composition combining exterior galleries with large glass surfaces. Overhanging roofs mitigate solar heat gains and provide protection from the elements.

The maritime terminal is conceived as a promenade leading travelers from the city to the sea, following the public walkway along the first basin. A ramp gently ascends from Quai de la Douane, inviting travelers to the reception area. It then descends southward, toward the sea, passing through waiting and boarding zones — a prelude to the imminent journey. The façades are highly open, offering expansive views of the first basin of Brest’s port. In this way, the building accompanies travelers throughout their journey.

The logistics hangar and its support spaces, located on the eastern side, are directly connected to the freight terminal. Stretching 75 meters along a north-south axis, it shields outdoor service areas from prevailing winds. This simple, robust structure features a concrete base (to withstand flooding) topped with granite walls. The project has been designed to accommodate marine submersion risks.

Port-related office spaces are positioned above the logistics hangar on two timber-framed levels. These spaces enjoy unobstructed views of the harbor and the city while being protected and distanced from various traffic flows. This vertical arrangement minimizes the building’s ground footprint, leaving quayside spaces primarily accessible for port activities.

This elevated structure serves as a belvedere, offering a 360° view of Brest and its harbor. Each of the workspaces benefits from natural light through large bay windows.

Category:Airports and Transportation CentersLocation:FranceArchitect: Alexis Joubert & Jean-François Madec, FranceDesign Team: Alexis Joubert, Jean-François MadecPhotographer: Jeudi Wang, Pawel Floryn, JFMA