Alice Milliat gymnasium is a former covered market turned into a sports facility and two shops. It is located in a vast complex built in 1962 in downtown historical Bordeaux, that had become a symbol of the city’s contemporary architectural heritage.
© Arthur Pequin
We installed a glass box in the gap created by the demolition of the existing market and shops. The use of ultra-clear glass and refined materials such as brass and wood gives the gymnasium a touch of sophistication. The black strip, actually a technical shadow gap, provides an elegant finishing touch to the design of the glass box.
© Arthur Pequin
A multi-purpose sports hall, a dojo, and a dance and fitness studio occupy the entire ground floor. Special attention has been paid throughout to the lighting, transparency, and spaciousness of the sports areas.
© Arthur Pequin
To leave as much room as possible for the sports facilities, the changing rooms are in the basement. The directional signage inspired by a sports track curves along the walls and continues on the floor, clearly showing the layout of the sports areas and changing room. The one-way window film on the glazed side façades gives users the privacy they need while allowing them to see outside.
Project Info
Architects: Marjan Hessamfar & Joe Vérons architectes associés
Country: France, Bordeaux
Area: 1660 m²
Year: 2018
Photographs: Arthur Pequin
Clients: Bordeaux City Council
Engineering: TERRELL, ALTO, Emacoustic
Sophie Tremblay is a Montreal-based architectural editor and designer with a focus on sustainable urban development. A McGill University architecture graduate, she began her career in adaptive reuse, blending modern design with historical structures. As a Project Editor at Arch2O, she curates stories that connect traditional practice with forward-thinking design. Her writing highlights architecture's role in community engagement and social impact. Sophie has contributed to Canadian Architect and continues to collaborate with local studios on community-driven projects throughout Quebec, maintaining a hands-on approach that informs both her design sensibility and editorial perspective.