Between Sea and Land
Context
Vannes is a medieval port city with 2000 years of history, open to the Gulf of Morbihan and known for its emblematic "Sinagots", traditional fishing boats with red sails. Once a thriving fishing port with a rich history, it gradually transformed into a marina as industrial activity declined. Over time, port life slowly faded away.
Concept
Two strategies are used in planning the embankment:
• to maximize the area of public spaces and open access to the canal, giving the citizens the opportunity to be in the natural environment and be closer to the water.
• "invite" residents and tourists on a journey along a route with objects of a marine theme, inspired by the annual red sails festival.
The promenade along the canal changes its functions and character along the way, but shares the same design identity.
Drydock
We proposed a placemaking installation on the old drydockof the port, featuring an "image box" that projects silent archival documentaries about port life onto the water in the evening, using the rich collection of the Cinémathèque de Bretagne. In winter, a historic boat with red sails will dock on the adjacent parking area.
Belvedere zone
In a place of strong relief, a large children's open playground with maritime theme was located. Here you can admire the pier and the canal from the observation deck and go kayaking.
Nouveaux chantiers zone
The old docks located in this area will be home to modern small industries and creative projects. They will house a fab lab, a co-working space for nautical tech start-ups, and a street art center, as well as workshops for residents and tourists to learn about ship modeling.
