The urban renovation, of the whole environment, is completed with an interpretation center that solves one of the lateral facades of the buildings that surround the Romanesque construction.
Description of project by Linazasoro&Sánchez
The contest aims at proposing the remodeling of the environment of the Romanesque basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Port, one of the most important basilicas on the Way of St James. This subject has been the object of a wide debate.
This environment is formed by a sunken plaza parallel to the Rue du Port, the Place du Port and Rue du Port. Between the sunken plaza and the street, there are two abandoned buildings that are refurbished to install the Interpretation Center of the Basilica. This plaza is hidden from the street, inserted in the medieval layout of the city.
The project does not intend to compete with the Romanesque basilica, but also, through specific and subtle interventions, it is desired to stand out in a currently degraded environment of the Historic Center of Clermont-Ferrand.
The meeting between the square and the main access to the basilica and the Place du Port is currently a wall that is replaced by a belvedere terrace. From this terrace the side facade and the main access to the basilica can be seen. Under the Belvedere is located a room belonging to the Interpretation Center open to the recessed square. This plaza, currently poorly paved, is a meeting place for pilgrims on the Way of St James. This area is paved again and in it, a fountain and a bank are built to improve its resting condition.
