FROM THE FRAC TO THE SILO

Let's take a stroll through the Euroméditerranée district, the largest urban redevelopment in Southern Europe, which, over the last decade and a half, has been transforming former port brownfields into a true 21st-century Mediterranean city. The objectives are to reconnect the port to the city, extend the downtown core northwards, and create an interface with the surrounding neighbourhoods - and the metropolis beyond. A showcase for Marseille, this area is a major site of experimentation encompassing regional and international architectural trends.



FRAC < > Silo le FRAC Le Marceau Gymnase Ruffi  Résidence Fonscolombe Résidence de tourisme Ruffi  Tour CMA-CGM Les archives départementales Le SILO
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Le Silo / Charles Aznavour

A Former Port Storage Facility Converted into A Concert Hall

This symbolic building stands at the entrance of Marseille's port. Originally slated for demolition, it accomplished a remarkable mutation. This grain silo was constructed in 1926-1927 by the Compagnie des Docks et Entrepôts de Marseille, which specialized in the shipping of grain. Construction was completed in record time, in a context of intense competition with the SGTM (Société Générale de Transbordements Maritimes). The latter was erected, a short distance away, the Madrague silo (better known under the "Usine Panzani" moniker.) Completed before its Madrague counterpart, the Arenc silo quickly asserted its superiority on all counts: function, technicality, structural and architectural. In 1950-1952, the Arenc Silo was adjoined with an elevator tower to the east, as well as a loading bridge. Beyond the aforementioned qualities, the building's eloquent participation in the cityscape lends it continued relevance. Abandoned in the 1990s and slated for destruction, in was given a second life in 2011 thanks to a complete restructuration. The building's bulk and monumentality are sadly diminished by the large square openings that were cut out of the top floor, disturbing its aesthetic coherence. On the lower floors, the intervention is more appropriate. It now houses a large concert with a foyer that reveals the site's unique character: the concrete "nipples" dripping from the ceiling, and a breathtaking view onto the port.
The building was classified Patrimoine du XXème Siècle (the French “20th Century Heritage” designation).
Architect :
Eric Castaldi & Carta associés
Year : 2011
Type : cultural equipment / Office
Address :
35, quai du Lazaret 13002 Marseille
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