The Sail icon | Bjarke Ingels Group

The Sail

Rouen, France

Client

Metropole Rouen Normandie

Typology

Hospitality

Size m2/ft2

11,500 / 123,800

Status

In Design

The Sail image | Bjarke Ingels Group
The Sail gallery image | Bjarke Ingels Group

PROGRAM DISTRIBUTION — The distribution of the program directs visitor circulation toward the garden, while logistical circulation is organized along the road.

The Sail gallery image | Bjarke Ingels Group

OPTIMIZATION OF THE ROOF — The shape and orientation of the roof are optimized to ensure the maximum amount of solar exposure for the PVs.

The Sail gallery image | Bjarke Ingels Group

TWO SCALES AND TWO SPEEDS — From the motorway, the building presents a single, flowing silhouette. At human scale, the form breaks down into smaller elements and planted areas, creating calmer routes and gathering spaces.

The Sail gallery image | Bjarke Ingels Group

THE SAIL — The building integrates with the site through fluid connections between inside and outside, fostering spaces for movement and gathering.

The Sail gallery image | Bjarke Ingels Group

SHELTERED ON ALL SIDES — The building is positioned to form an acoustic barrier from the highway, creating a sheltered pedestrian side and opening towards the park.

The Sail gallery image | Bjarke Ingels Group

ADAPTION TO CONTEXT — The volume is consolidated to free up as much green space on the plot as possible. The exhibition hall, lobby and auditorium are kept at ground level, while the restaurant is located on the first floor - offering open views towards the Seine.

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The Sail image | Bjarke Ingels Group
“Rising along the Seine, The Sail introduces a new silhouette to Rouen with its sweeping roofline paying tribute to the city’s naval heritage and historic skyline of spires. The building greets visitors from the highway with a vertical façade, while on the city side, the roof creates sheltered canopies extending the foyer into a human-scaled public landscape. Built with mass timber construction, daylight-optimized interiors and an energy-producing roof, it is both a low-impact infrastructure and a cultural hub - offering an inclusive space for Rouen and its visitors.”
Jakob Sand - Partner, BIG
The Sail image | Bjarke Ingels Group
The Sail image | Bjarke Ingels Group
The Sail image | Bjarke Ingels Group
The Sail image | Bjarke Ingels Group

Partner in Charge

Bjarke Ingels

Jakob Sand

Project Team

Marie Lançon

Lawrence-Olivier Mahadoo

Monika Dauksaite

Kasia Wieprow

Anastasiia Golub

Matthew Goodwill

Hyun Woo Cho

Collaborators

BLP & associés

Egis

Ducks Scéno

Elioth

Bloom Landscape

Marshall Day Acoustics

8'18 lumière

BMF

Nicolas Mayeur