The Pavillon Martell, is a new, multifaceted architectural project created by Spanish architects SelgasCano and intended to completely fill the vast paved courtyard situated behind the Fondation d’entreprise Martell during the first phase of work.
Launched in October 2016, the Fondation d’entreprise Martell offers a rich and varied programme of events promoting local, national and international collaborations. Occupying a modernist building that is a landmark within the town of Cognac, the Foundation will ultimately extend over nearly 5,000 m2 and five floors, offering an array of different immersive, creative spaces, which will open to the public in several phases. The interior renovation, orchestrated by Bordeaux architects Brochet-Lajus-Pueyo, began in spring 2017, with a partial reopening (ground floor and rooftop terrace) scheduled for summer 2018, followed by a gradual roll-out of the other floors every year until the completion of the project in 2020/2021.
This month, the Fondation d’entreprise Martell has inaugurated the Pavillon Martell, a site-specific structure created by Spanish architects SelgasCano, which will occupy the entirety of the vast paved courtyard in front of the Foundation until autumn 2018.
True to their aesthetic of transparency and openness to the outside world, SelgasCano constructed the Pavillon Martell from a metal framework covered by a translucent material.
This exterior pavilion is comprised of modules constructed from hi-tech materials, which will house specific activities prefiguring the Foundation’s future schedule of events. Strong and watertight, the material is permeated by a soft, changing light which creates intriguing iridescent effects. The rainbow reflections thus created are ideally suited to the architects’ aesthetics.
This large pavilion, composed of flexible and organic shapes, is in harmony with environment, the architects defending the idea that “nature must prevail over architecture”. Inflatable seats installed in the structure, attached by straps, will allow visitors to sit, lean, or stretch out in the context of workshops, concerts, presentations, conferences, markets, games, moments of relaxation, wanderings, etc.
all images © Iwan Baan