A wood cladding, reflecting a forest city
Since this summer, the forecourt of the Eiffel Tower in Paris features an exceptional exhibition celebrating the centenary of the death of engineer and visionary Gustave Eiffel.
Harmony between nature and workplace
Arboretum is the largest campus built with solid wood in Europe. 125,000 m² of office and service spaces in Nanterre will be labeled BBCA (Low Carbon Building). As for green spaces, out of 9 hectares, 6 are dedicated to parks and gardens. This is an unprecedented space aiming to blend a professional district, well-being, and reduced environmental impact.
The project leader, developer WO2, and SPLNA (Local Public Company of the City of Nanterre) wanted to incorporate the Anatole France Bridge into this initiative, with the goal of gently introducing it into the Arboretum universe.
A wooden hoarding in motion
To guide towards a forest city, wood as a material was essential. Simplicity and elegance were also key inspirations for Celize’s collaborators to stay consistent with the essence of the Arboretum project. By using a sequence of inclined wooden slats, the bridge cladding mounted on a triangular steel frame creates an image of movement that invites people to enter the new district.
The eye is naturally drawn to this flared and wavy form. The gaps between the slats enhance this feeling and add a sense of breathability. The bridge thus interacts with the other structures nearby. The concept of humanistic urbanism finds its full meaning here and is conveyed through the entire ensemble.
A technical challenge
Celize’s teams faced several technical challenges. First, the bridge’s dimensions: 60 meters! A cladding of 120 meters in length was designed. Second, to achieve a perfect wavy effect, each wooden slat has its own height and a precisely defined angle of inclination.
Additionally, it was necessary to:
– Integrate parking entrances into this unusual hoarding,
– Manage its installation within a record time (3 days!),
– Ensure the inherent safety of such equipment: resistance to wind and induced vibrations, and adherence to the infrastructure’s waterproofing,
– Ensure the bridge’s accessibility for maintenance by the city’s technical services.
For many years, Celize has been applying its expertise, experience, creativity, and rigor to benefit urban landscape actors. To be convinced, discover our other achievements.
A wooden cladding, reflection of a forest city
