Located in the French city’s historic Place Graslin, the temporary intervention by Titan forms part of the arts festival Le Voyage à Nantes
Nantes-based architecture practice Titan has designed Versus/Playground 2021, a roller-skating rink for the Place Graslin in Nantes, France. One of the many creative, site-specific interventions across the city for annual arts festival Le Voyage à Nantes (3 July to 12 September 2021), the project temporarily transforms a grand public space dating to the 18th century.
Measuring 38m in diameter, the main structure is made of prefabricated white concrete and the rink track is poured-in-place white concrete. Titan was inspired by the neoclassical square and its accompanying theatre, both designed by French architect and urban planner Mathurin Crucy. The materiality and monumental presence of the rink forms a dialogue with the surrounding buildings, and the circular shape echoes the broad layout of the space. Nevertheless, the intervention – which has been adapted to the irregularities of the ground – injects play and fun into the otherwise sober square.
The roller-skating track is open to all, whether athletes or beginners, while the rim of the rink doubles as curved public seating, providing places to rest or observe the action. The project also includes a service loaning out roller skates and rollerblades.
Once the city’s arts festival concludes, Versus/Playground 2021 will be moved to another location not yet announced. Titan was established in 2011 by Mathieu Barré, François Guinaudeau and Romain Pradeau. Recent projects include the National Museum Clemenceau (2019) in Mouilleron-Saint-Germain, France.
Photography by Martin Argyroglo/LVAN and Julien Lanoo
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