TerraViva has officially released the complete list of awarded projects of the architecture contest entitled “Brise-Vent Havre”.
With the ambitious goal of recovering the forgotten concrete structure of the Brise-Vent, this competition aimed to design a one-of-a-kind Museum facing the port of Le Havre. Since the gigantic grey sail no longer serves its original purpose of shielding the harbour from wind gusts, the challenge was to envision an urban regeneration project that could allow the city to get back an extraordinary public space, currently abandoned to itself. The contest required full attention to the social aspects of the proposal, encouraging designers to work on a hybrid program linked to an everyday use, open both to the local community and international tourists.
The awarded projects successfully blended historical preservation with contemporary innovation. The jury panel praised the creative use of sustainable materials, particularly timber, and the integration of green landscapes, which transformed the site into a flexible, multifunctional space. Common themes included honouring the site’s industrial heritage while introducing forward-thinking designs that fostered cultural and social interaction. From interactive exhibitions and artistic collaborations to minimalist designs that respected the raw beauty of the concrete structure, these projects redefined the Brise-Vent as both a cultural landmark and a beacon of sustainability and creativity, connecting the community while reimagining the structure as a symbol of Le Havre’s future.
The competition was open to students, architects, designers, urbanists, engineers, makers, artists and anyone interested in the fields of architecture and urban regeneration.
The winners were selected by an international jury panel composed by:
- Rafael Bonet | Bonet + Partners [Paris, France]
- Isabella Bhoan | Weston Williamson + Partners [London, UK]
- Greg Melitonov | Taller KEN [New York, USA]
- Anupama Bharti | School of Planning and Architecture [Bhopal, India]
- Peixuan Wu | SCAPE [San Francisco, USA]
- Luciano Crespi | Politecnico di Milano [Milan, Italy]
- Imman Suleiman | Quinn Evans [Ann Arbor, USA]
- Olav Werner | Bokemo [Oslo, Norway]
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WINNERS
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
1ST PLACE
Le Havre Port Cultural Center
Öznur Çağlayan, Ece Uğurlu, Devrim Nasmir, Can Özdoğan, Yiğit Doğan, Gaye Karbeyaz
Türkiye
LE HAVRE PORT CULTURAL CENTER
The repurposing of the concrete shell, originally constructed as a windbreaker for shipbuilding in Le Havre and now dormant, has been conceived not merely to address present-day requirements but to also anticipate future programmatic evolutions through an adaptable and open framework. Our design reimagines this iconic structure as a flexible system capable of accommodating various uses, enabling it to transform into residential, educational, industrial, or other functional spaces as needed.
Just as Le Havre’s architectural identity was once defined by its innovative application of concrete, this intervention positions timber—considered the sustainable steel of the future—at the forefront of material expression. The structural framework, envisioned in timber, serves not only as a primary architectural element but also as a carbon sink, reinforcing the project’s environmental consciousness while reflecting an advanced, future-oriented material strategy.
Integral to the design philosophy is the deliberate interplay between the built form and the surrounding landscape. In a context notably devoid of green space, a core ambition of the project is to generate a substantial and meaningful landscape for the site. This landscape strategy envisions a lush, immersive environment, transforming the existing barren conditions into a vibrant green haven. By weaving this landscape seamlessly into the architectural fabric, we aim to introduce a natural ecosystem that enriches the site while addressing the ecological void of the region.
The spatial strategy also intentionally blurs the lines between interior and exterior realms, creating a symbiotic relationship where the natural environment permeates the architecture. This openness facilitates the integration of an ecosystem within the structure itself, transforming it into an adaptive space with the potential to function as a greenhouse or evolve into a botanical garden, further amplifying its environmental resonance.
Moreover, acknowledging the monumental character of the shell’s interior face—facing the city—we propose an expressive intervention by cladding this surface in classical French tapestry motifs. A deliberate incision in the new façade allows the cladding on the concrete shell to reveal itself, offering a striking visual dialogue between the historic and the contemporary. While alternative cladding materials may be considered, the primary objective remains to accentuate the drama of this surface and enhance the sensory experience for users, positioning it as a key narrative element within the spatial sequence.
This approach transcends the mere reuse of a structure, offering a design that interweaves sustainability, flexibility, and aesthetic engagement. By merging the industrial gravitas of the concrete shell with the ecological elegance of timber, the project honors the city’s architectural heritage while crafting a forward-looking spatial identity that resonates with future possibilities.
_________________________________________
About the First Prize – Olav Werner – Bokemo
“The project transforms the concrete structure into a flexible, sustainable space, using timber as a key material for both environmental and structural purposes. It integrates green landscapes and adapts to various uses, blending historical elements with a forward-looking design.”
About the First Prize – Isabella Bhoan – Weston Williamson + Partners
“Lovely concept that truly brings in the surrounding landscape maintaining the architecture as a protective shell.”
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2ND PLACE
DiveAscent
Dingdong Tang, Zehui Li, Haisheng Xu
China
This project aims to transform a historically significant structure into a museum, respecting and preserving its distinctive architectural style and rich cultural heritage. The original building, with its strong sense of order and monumental presence, reflects the weight of history and the passage of time. Our design approach is both sensitive and creative, extending and enhancing the iconic curved roof to give it new vitality and dynamic beauty. The roof’s form, reminiscent of a swimmer diving and resurfacing, symbolizes the dialogue between past and future while illustrating the building’s symbiotic relationship with its surroundings. By honoring and reinterpreting the original architecture, we have transformed it into a cultural landmark named “DiveAscent,” capturing the fluidity of the design and its connection to the environment.
Our approach takes a light intervention, preserving the monumentality of the original structure while reimagining it as a bridge linking the city, port, and community. The new roof, divided by a central courtyard, creates two open spaces, with the courtyard acting as a social stage for the city, open 24/7 to residents and visitors. The carefully placed apertures allow natural light and airflow, energizing the interior while dissolving physical boundaries, activating the waterfront. Beneath the courtyard is a flexible underground exhibition space, where the undulating terrain echoes the roof’s curves. This space allows for a dynamic arrangement of exhibits, encouraging visitors to explore freely and creating an open, interactive atmosphere. By breaking from the traditional solemnity of museums, the design invites diverse audiences to engage with the space in a social, artistic, and cultural way, positioning the museum as a vital cultural hub.
The new curved roof doubles as a grand observation platform, offering panoramic views of Le Havre’s harbor. It blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, inviting residents and tourists to reflect, socialize, and enjoy the expansive views. Below the roof, the architectural rhythm continues with partition walls and an open dock area, creating a welcoming space for visitors from all directions. This integration of architecture and landscape transforms the building into an extension of its natural surroundings, offering a place of rest and contemplation in harmony with the city’s scenic vistas.
The new building is poised to become a city landmark. While respecting the architectural legacy of the original structure, the design introduces an open roof and strategically placed openings to ensure natural ventilation, achieving energy efficiency and sustainability. The integration of solar panels and rooftop greenery, along with landscaped courtyards, enhances the building’s sustainability, regulating the microclimate, reducing energy consumption, and promoting biodiversity. This design not only addresses both social and cultural demands but also transforms the structure into a modern urban landmark, connecting past and future while drawing in the local community and international visitors. By blending historical monumentality with modern flexibility, the museum creates a public space of environmental and cultural significance, becoming a symbol of Le Havre’s future urban development. Through its innovative and sustainable approach, the project provides new cultural and social meaning to the city.
_________________________________________
About the Second Prize – Imman Suleiman – Quinn Evans
“Beautifully balances historical preservation with modern innovation, transforming the iconic structure into a vibrant cultural hub. The dynamic roof design and sustainable features breathe new life into the space while honoring its monumental heritage. This project redefines the building as a symbol of Le Havre’s future, connecting the city, port, and community.”
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3RD PLACE
WIND MACHINE
[JBA] Xavier Brunet, Clémence Prévost, Anthony Fourrier, Sara Belrhaiti, Hiba Elhaddad
France
In order to revitalize the Brise-Vent, the project aims to bring it back to its primary reason of being : the wind. In the past, this « sleeping giant » served as a shield against the wind. Today, the Brise-Vent can become a massive wind collector serving a cultural, scientific and educational program : the wind museum.
Our project accompanies Le Havre’s port implement of new energy transition policies. The future wind museum is indeed planned to be built next to the Siemens factory which is developing Fécamp wind farm.
In accordance with the image of Le Havre, we envision the new Brise-Vent as a place where arts and techniques intersect. The blend of the city’s historic brutalism and contemporary art will occur. Our intervention, firmly minimalist and economical in materials, aims to keep the raw concrete alive. To preserve the distinctive rhythm of the Brise-Vent, the partitioning inside the structural frame is positioned delicately.
The building’s unique length generates an inner path allowing exhibitions of historical inventions that helped tame the wind forces. Visitors are invited to experiment with their five senses on this powerful and yet invisible flow throughout the itinerary. We have gathered a rich inventory of forms, techniques, and materials to imagine this project.
The permanent exhibition space unfolds a chronological timeline that illustrates the history of wind power through archival documents and models. The temporary exhibition space can be extended outside, and the external concrete structure can be invested with contemporary works.
The wind is a source of energy as well as an inspiration. Engineers, visual artists, sculptors, painters, and musicians have sought to experience it, capture it and represent it. Therefore, the workshop-apartments and the fab lab integrated within the project will act as a framework for collaborations between artists and engineers, and will ensure daily activity on site.
After the museum’s exhibits, the tour continues with a belvedere offering a stunning view of Le Havre’s city and port. The itinerary invites visitors to embrace the immensity of the concrete structure, its length, height, curve, and its raw materiality.
The southern part of the project features the Brise-Vent’s curved side, which overlooks a wild garden. This garden is being taken over by coastal plants. This new landscape reclaims its rights on the asphalt and evokes the poetry of ancient ruins. A path meandering through is dotted with commissioned installations created by contemporary engineer-artist duos. These playful sculptures, which are halfway between art and machinery, come to life in the wind, tinkling, blowing and shimmering.
Sheltered on the building’s western side, the Auditorium is free to open onto the esplanade and to host open-air concerts. The belvedere, the Brise-Vent and the restaurant can be accessed independently of the museum, allowing both tourists and locals to come and go.
_________________________________________
About the Third Prize – Peixuan Wu – SCAPE
“This project to revitalize the Brise-Vent as a wind museum is a brilliant idea that brings the structure back to its original purpose. By focusing on wind as both an energy source and an artistic inspiration, it cleverly combines culture, science, and education. The design is minimalist yet impactful, preserving the raw concrete while creating interactive experiences for visitors. The integration of workshops and collaborations between artists and engineers adds a dynamic element, making it a vibrant space for creativity. Overall, this project offers many engaging ideas that invite users to connect with the site and understand its significance.”
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GOLDEN MENTIONS
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Break the Wind, Welcome the Sea
Théo Bienvenu
France
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Towards a New Wind
Ansh Anand Mishra, Aditya Vijayraj, Vishwas Bhadauria, Sanya Malhotra, Atharv Goyal, Shubhangi Sharma
India
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Musée des Résiliences
Arthur Cany, Marta Gruca
France – Poland
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3-Pavilion Composition – Co-creating and Exhibiting Art in a Museum
Ricardo Melo
Portugal
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Musée Situé dans le Port
Jihyeon Kim, Donghui Kim, Seongjae Hong, Hyeonsoo Kim
Republic of Korea
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MIfAA+
Vincent Maillot, Clément Schwab
France
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Art Pipe
Ibrahim Joharji
Saudi Arabia
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Let the “Green Sailboat” Spark a Cultural Wave
Jiongyuan Chen
China
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Life Kaleidoscope Hub
Anqi Shi
China
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MVMNT
Alessandro Perri, Jules Gallissian
Italy – France
