ARCHITECTURAL FOCUS
architectural program and integrated into the visitor ’ s experience . The glasshouse features the logo , acting as a symbol of the group ’ s values of transparency and openness towards the city and the world .
The tree-lined plaza extends to the edges of Carmes square , provided with furniture , greenery , and water displays to ensure freshness in the summertime . The Carmes site , historically reserved for Michelin employees , now offers public access . It features versatile exhibition spaces , a store , the glasshouse museum , and the welcoming Café Equateur . Working areas are
adapted to new jobs and more collaborative working methods , and the order of the architectural program evolves to lead visitors from the public area to the company ’ s private spaces .
A DESIGN ANCHORED IN CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES
The Canopy is more than a reception building . Its structure responds to two primary challenges : transparency and proximity on the one hand , and a low carbon footprint on the other . The choice of transparency is embodied by the vast glass façade , sheltered from the sun by the wooden awnings that cover its 160-meter length , which provides the new headquarters with its unique identity . Curves are prevalent in the architectural design and furniture , mirroring those of Michelin ’ s tires .
Consumption of cement was extremely limited , in favor of sustainably-sourced , repurposed , and local materials . Particular attention was attached to the local area , and thus an overwhelming majority of companies that worked on the construction are local . The use of regional materials was a common goal that aimed to implement simple constructive principles without compromising the site ’ s industrial nature , such as the use of steel for the structure , or the decision to make the grid and frames visible .
Know-how , quality , and innovation are values that Michelin embodies . They are wholly shared by the Encore Heureux and Construire agencies that suffused them into the project process . The Canopy symbolizes the new challenges sustainable mobility is faced with , while illustrating the connection that unites Michelin and the city of Clermont-Ferrand .
www . encoreheureux . org www . construire-architectes . over-blog . com www . baseland . fr
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