Overview
While tasty food and coffee can instantly lighten the mood, a fulfilled journey shall never confine to sole dining experience. In France there is always more to “Explore. Dream. Discover” (Mark Twain, 1835-1910). This week let us resume our journey and feel the charm of French architecture through the case of stainless steel applied to Illkirch-Graffenstaden Town Hall.
Illkirch-Graffenstaden Town Hall
Prior to our routinized introduction, it’s essential to clarify a word that can easily cause a misconception under English-writing context. HOTEL DE VILLE, the letters as seen on the glass wall of the building actually has nothing to do with any hotel name. It is from French pronunciation Hôtel de Ville, meaning town hall or city hall in English.
Now we circle back to our topic, Illkirch-Graffenstaden Town Hall. Located on 181 Route de Lyon in Illkirch-Graffenstaden Bas-Rhin in northeastern France, Illkirch-Graffenstaden Town Hall actually consists of three government buildings constructed in different times, the one in the neoclassical style opened in 1882 (CSE 2026), and the other two extended buildings, one covered with dark aluminum panels, the other characterized by pre-cast concrete elements, built respectively in the 1960S and 1970S (Archello 2026). A new reception hall was added in 2014 thanks to the rehabilitation and extension project.
Background Information of Illkirch-Graffenstaden Town Hall
The new Illkirch-Graffenstaden Town Hall is a 6.8-million-euro rehabilitation and extension project constructed during 2012-2014. In 2011, the contracting authority the City of Illkirch-Graffenstaden launched a competition and architects Atelier Filippini stood out as the winner. The complex, with the newly added reception hall was officially reopened by the mayor, Jacques Bigot, on 13 June 2014 (CSE 2026).
The requirements for the project are quite clear. First and foremost, the new town hall aims to greet people rather than simply impress them, which means the facilities must be available to all, compatible with the disabled as well. Second, the disparate buildings should be connected as one entity, rather than standing separately on their own. Third, the heritage value of the 19th-century building should be considered. Last but not the least, eco-friendliness should be combined with functions.
Atelier Filippini responded with a perfect solution of creating a low-volume yet stylish reception hall to link the three separating buildings. Furthermore, the more recent buildings were covered with new facades to improve the thermal performance and aesthetic appeal while the ancient 19th-century building of heritage value was respected the way it was. In this way, a new modern version of town hall interplaying the past and the present was born, creating a unique urban landmark for the city of Illkirch-Graffenstaden.
The Design of Illkirch-Graffenstaden Town Hall
The new Illkirch-Graffenstaden Town Hall undoubtedly transcends the traditional view associated with administrative services which are always rigorous and functional. Now let’s explore together how excellent design pushes the boundary of municipal project.
The Design of The New Reception Hall
The new reception hall stands undoubtedly as the highlight of the whole design as it is a new creation where imagination and creativity can be brought into full play. Its exterior metal shell resembles a carved item, reminiscent of works by the artist Anish Kapoor. Its curved form brings an impression of softness and lightness.
From afar the shell looks like floating on the water that surrounds it. True is its suspension structure on steel tree structures, which frees it from any physical contact either with the inner reception structure or the ground below. Designed to face the city, the shell reflects urban areas with its anamorphic finish projecting the surrounding buildings, the square and the everchanging sky in a slightly deformed manner. Meanwhile, a LED system is equipped to futher enhance visual experience through dramatic lighting versatile for varied configurations.
Apart from its aesthetic appeal, the new reception hall links the three disparate buildings featuring different styles and times into one single coherent establishment. Yet, it acts as more than a mere passageway or a transitional zone. It functions as well as a diversified space which can be readily used as meeting rooms, rest places, waiting rooms or/and entrance loggias in a number of different situations. Plus, it protects the lower floor of the glass façade.
The reception hall is purposefully designed in the lower level of the complex, rather than as a high-rise building standing in incongruous juxtaposition with the historic building. The respect to the old edifice also optimizes natural sunlight to all offices. This approach emphasizes the autonomous nature of this new space, housed in an architectural structure different from the pre-existing buildings yet does not detract from the historical value of the adjacent building. Meanwhile, it is located in the lower level so visitors can engage in interactions on a more human scale.
The Rehabilitation of the Two Modern Buildings
To create a unified image to the whole complex, interventions must be made to the modern buildings. A double-skin façade composed of a “breathable” screen-printed glass of two different printed patterns with built-in venetian blinds has been added to the exterior of the main building. The façade can reflect dynamically the changing hours and seasons and adapt to varied light conditions. Meanwhile, the façade can trap pre-heated air and minimize heat loss in winter and mid- season in an environment-friendly way.
The facades of the other building originally built with prefabricated concrete slabs proved devoid of any thermal insulation. Atelier Filippini responded with a solution of installing uniformly metal-looking aluminum composite cladding with high-performance thermal insulation. The irregular layout and pattern combined with colorful window recess creates a vivid and mood-lifting view.
Stainless Steel Applied to Illkirch-Graffenstaden Town Hall
The shell outside of the Illkirch-Graffenstaden Town Hall reception hall is actually made from 304L perforated stainless steel sheets in Mat finish by Uginox (ISSF 2014). Stainless steel 304L is chosen for its superior formability and good corrosion resistance. It is timeless and visually pleasant. Plus, stainless steel necessitates minimum maintenance, for any dirt or dust can be cleaned with spraying water.
The shell was designed in 3D model and produced using evocative techniques that recall the city’s industrial and mechanical background. Despite the delicate appearance, this protective metal skin is fabricated with remarkable 5mm thick stainless steel sheets featuring high strength. The perforations on the shell can filter the light passing through the space without blinding the urban areas from the views of people inside. Meanwhile, it also adds artistic value to the whole complex, evoking a modern and open vision of administrative services.
Stainless Steel Materials from CIVMATS China
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