The Paul Bailliart Cultural Centre in Massy hosts live music performances, artists in residence, and the annual ‘Les Primeurs’ festival. The renovation of the 1966 building addresses several objectives: improving reception for the public and artists, complying with safety and acoustic standards, and strengthening the facility’s visual identity. The interior spaces have been completely redesigned: the café-concert hall has been enlarged to accommodate 190 people, while the main hall features movable seating, allowing for 330 seated spectators or 550 standing. Public and artist flows have been clarified through the repositioning of emergency exits, dressing rooms, and technical areas. The expanded entrance hall extends into a patio that can be covered depending on usage.
The entire building is wrapped in a multi-layer acoustic shell designed to limit noise impact on neighboring residences. The main façade, composed of vertical timber slat panels folded in pleats, reflects the internal functional development of the programme while providing rhythm and materiality that highlight the extension. This ‘skin’ reconfigures the image of the aging building, revealing parts of the original structure while dressing the whole in a contemporary layer that engages with the surrounding neighbourhood.
The project gives the Cultural Centre a presence that is both modern and functional, offering the community a true ‘music box.’ The quality of the extension and renovation was recognised by the Public Prize for Contemporary Architecture of the Paris Metropolitan Area in the Culture category, highlighting the project’s ability to combine technical performance, user comfort, and a strong visual identity.
The Paul Bailliart Cultural Centre in Massy hosts live music performances, artists in residence, and the annual ‘Les Primeurs’ festival. The renovation of the 1966 building addresses several objectives: improving reception for the public and artists, complying with safety and acoustic standards, and strengthening the facility’s visual identity. The interior spaces have been completely redesigned: the café-concert hall has been enlarged to accommodate 190 people, while the main hall features movable seating, allowing for 330 seated spectators or 550 standing. Public and artist flows have been clarified through the repositioning of emergency exits, dressing rooms, and technical areas. The expanded entrance hall extends into a patio that can be covered depending on usage.
The entire building is wrapped in a multi-layer acoustic shell designed to limit noise impact on neighboring residences. The main façade, composed of vertical timber slat panels folded in pleats, reflects the internal functional development of the programme while providing rhythm and materiality that highlight the extension. This ‘skin’ reconfigures the image of the aging building, revealing parts of the original structure while dressing the whole in a contemporary layer that engages with the surrounding neighbourhood.
The project gives the Cultural Centre a presence that is both modern and functional, offering the community a true ‘music box.’ The quality of the extension and renovation was recognised by the Public Prize for Contemporary Architecture of the Paris Metropolitan Area in the Culture category, highlighting the project’s ability to combine technical performance, user comfort, and a strong visual identity.
Fassio-Viaud, associates
Batiserf, structure
Louis Choulet, fluids
Capri acoustique, acoustician
BMF, economist
Phase 1 : 3,65 M€ h.t. — phase 2 : 230 K€ h.t.
Phase 2 : 2010
