The project is situated in Le Havre, a city intimately connected to memories of war and its industrial ports. Over time, Le Havre has transformed from a vital industrial hub into a flourishing cultural and artistic capital. This project focuses on the abandoned windbreak structure, Brise-Vent Havre, of the old port area, aiming to transform it into a cultural complex that reconnects the city to its maritime heritage.

Inspired by the concept of Lieux de mémoire (Realm of Memory) introduced by French historian Pierre Nora, it reflects the deep-rooted connection between Le Havre and its port. Lieux de mémoire refers to symbolic spaces that anchor and revive history and collective memory over time. The revitalization of Brise-Vent serves as a gateway to reconnect the city with its port, emphasizing nostalgia in our contemporary era.

Reinterpreting Brise-Vent Havre as a key landmark within Le Havre’s historical and cultural narrative, our design seeks to infuse new meanings into this space while honoring its past. By bridging the industrial site with the city’s rich cultural memories, the project aim to meet the needs of both the local community and visitors. The design vision is to create a place where people can memorialize, gather, and celebrate the vibrant interplay between history and the future, embodying the spirit of nostalgia in the new age.