An emblematic building for the future Bordeaux Port Center

The Grand Port Maritime de Bordeaux aims to open a Port Center in the Bassins à flot district in late 2028 or early 2029. The project will provide the public with a space to discover and experience today’s port activities and strengthen the connection between the port and local residents.

Following several workshops and consultation sessions organised since 2022 with elected representatives, local authorities, members of the port community, and cultural and educational stakeholders, the Grand Port Maritime de Bordeaux defined the missions, content and programme of this port interpretation centre. Le Pavillon – Bordeaux Port Center is currently located in temporary premises in Hangar G2 in the Bassins à flot district, where it offers visits for school groups and the general public, as well as an initial educational programme.

The future building will be located on land owned by the Grand Port Maritime de Bordeaux in Bacalan, within the Bassins à flot district. It will include an interpretation space open to the general public, focusing in particular on freight transport, international trade, and the integration of the port into the city and its environment. It will also house a maritime and port business centre, offices, meeting rooms, a reception centre, a restaurant area and a museum dedicated to maritime history. The project provides for approximately 2,250 square metres of floor space, a 1,000-square-metre esplanade and additional outdoor facilities.

YLÉ Architectes was unanimously selected as the design team on the basis of a project meeting the objectives set: an emblematic, multifunctional building, ideal integration into the landscape and a strong architectural statement. Designed as a pavilion largely open to its surroundings, the project will extend the existing quays, garden and pathways to create a direct connection between the city, the park and the water. The creation of a wooded park comprising around one hundred trees will strengthen the tree cover and provide areas of shade and coolness.

The project’s architecture reinterprets the port’s construction heritage. Its curved timber frame draws inspiration from the principles of naval architecture. The building also has strong environmental ambitions based on resource efficiency, the use of bio-based materials and the integration of reuse. Designed in response to the site’s climate, it incorporates natural ventilation, thermal inertia, shading, controlled openings and extraction chimneys.

The project is now entering a technical and financial development phase involving the various stakeholders. The planning application is scheduled to be submitted in early 2027, before the selection of construction companies during the following first half of the year, with the objective of opening in late 2028 or early 2029.

Picture : ailleurs