Gymnasium Dieppe | Chabanne and Partners Architects

Gymnasium Dieppe, The Regional Council of Haute-Normandy decided the construction of a gymnasium for Jehan Ango High School and Du Golf High School in Dieppe.

The project is located on Jehan Ango site. Previously, this establishment was equipped with a gymnasium that was no longer suitable. It was kept during the construction to enable the continuity of educational activities. Meanwhile Du Golf High School, nearby, did not have any sports facilities.

This operation now provides to the 80 classes (2400 students) optimal conditions to practice sport by sharing the new sports complex, similarly to what the Region has done for 18 other sites. This equipment will also be available to local associations and to the UNSS.

Consisting of five spaces, the new gymnasium can accommodate up to 280 students simultaneously. The two largest spaces are dedicated to the practice of team sports (one of them is also equipped with a climbing wall), another space is dedicated to table tennis, a second to gymnastics and a third to bodybuilding, combat sports and dance. A sports field with running tracks, shot put, high jump and jump full length complete the equipment, on the site of the former gymnasium.

The facades are covered with metallic gray “Trespa” panels and pre-patinated copper in harmony with the existing buildings. The compactness of the equipment was sought in order to master the construction costs and energy consumption. The building consists of two separate volumes “unstuck” from the ground in order to let natural light largely enter the building.

This inclination provides a momentum and an opening to the school. One can read in plan, the same desire of movement calling users. The connection of the two volumes occurs through a glass highlighting the main entrance. The broad forecourt access easily guides students to its entry. The construction consists of a central concrete core (lobby, dressing rooms, Sanitary) and of large volumes of metal structure on an optimized frame of 6.85m.

The implementation of the gymnasium makes it easily accessible from Ango as from Du Golf School. Since Du Golf school, a dedicated connection is possible along the sports field and the main northern facade, without crossing the exterior “sports footwear” spaces.

The enclosed sports arena is autonomous. Firefighters access, logistics access, and students access are differentiated. Exploitation and access control are possible throughout the year. A mineral forecourt resumes the main courtyard curves of the school, thus placing the equipment in the school’s site.

Located on both sides of the forecourt, the school cafeteria and the gymnasium establish a genuine dialogue thanks to their architectural vocabulary. The outdoor sports field, located at the back of the building ensures a natural continuity and a strong inside/outside relationship.

The equipment is designed on one level, to facilitate the use by users and specially people with reduced mobility. The lobby, in the heart of the building is largely lit by a full height large window. It is a guarded area for students awaiting for the changing rooms. The operation of the gym is flexible: according to schedules, one or several lockers can be open.

Project Info
Architects: Chabanne and Partners Architects
Country: Dieppe, France
Area: 5677 m²
Year: 2013
Photographs: Hugo Hébrard