Atelier Aconcept creates the double-height lobby as an extension of the esplanade, blurring the interior-exterior boundary, supported by glazing on three sides that allows for the passage of natural light. This space provides access to the mezzanine, which extends as a continuation of the ground floor.
The suspended volume, clad in gold-plated expanded metal, houses the sports hall, which receives natural light from the north and south through glass panels. The rectangular hall allows for various sporting configurations and has stands with capacity for 100-150 spectators.
Two square rooms on the ground floor, with a continuous wall, allow for the installation of bars, mirrors, or projections. A shared storage area also enhances its functionality.
The building differentiates the program's functions thanks to a rectangular courtyard that also provides natural light for the management areas. The parking lot is designed as a landscape element linked to the natural environment.
Complexe sportif Nikola Karabatic by Atelier Aconcept. Photograph by 11h45.
Project description by Atelier Aconcept
Situated at the southern edge of a business district, the sports complex’s shimmering reflections pay tribute to the medal-studded career of the French champion, making it a landmark for regional development. Its imposing metallic façade underscores the facility’s open and public nature.
The design is both simple and functional, composed of two offset, interlocking rectangular volumes. This strategic layout maximises the façade’s impact while shielding users from direct sunlight. A slight overhang of the lintel serves as a sunshade during the long summer days.
At ground level, the reception hall seamlessly extends from the forecourt, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior. Fully glazed on three sides, this atrium fosters transparency between form and function. Natural light floods the space, guiding visitors to the heart of the building. The double-height hall provides easy access to the mezzanine, which naturally extends from the ground floor.
Complexe sportif Nikola Karabatic by Atelier Aconcept. Photograph by 11h45.
Wrapped in gold-colored expanded metal that shifts with the light, the suspended volume houses the multi-sports hall. This space accommodates a variety of covered outdoor activities and features a generous landscaped exterior. A continuous strip of natural light from the north and a glazed band to the south bathe the interior in brightness.
Maximising the building’s height strengthens its architectural presence. The golden cladding is a deliberate choice—both eye-catching and symbolic of the pursuit of excellence associated with Nikola Karabatic’s name. The upper-level sports hall is a perfectly rectangular space, designed for multiple sports configurations, with tiered seating for 100 to 150 spectators, depending on the setup.
The facility’s versatility is further demonstrated by two auxiliary rooms on the ground floor. These square-shaped activity spaces each feature at least one uninterrupted wall, allowing for ballet bars, mirrors, projections, or exhibitions. With direct outdoor access, these rooms seamlessly connect with the business park. A shared storage area adjacent to these spaces enhances their adaptability.
Complexe sportif Nikola Karabatic by Atelier Aconcept. Photograph by 11h45.
Spacious circulation areas emphasise user comfort. A central patio at ground level provides natural light and visual relief before extending into a larger, elongated courtyard, which illuminates the mezzanine and surrounding walkways.
The site’s constraints posed challenges for parking, leading to an innovative solution that integrates stormwater management. The parking area is designed as a landscaped element, harmonising with the natural surroundings.
