THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH OF SAINT PIERRE-DE-LA-COUR

Observer Of the city Of Le Mans

finaL year prOject

This project is situated within a former collegiate church, which now serves as the civil registry office of the city of Le Mans. The site encompasses two major levels: the upper city, which is the medieval citadel now constituting the historical and touristic heart, and the lower city, which is the current commercial downtown area.

The collegiate church possesses significant historical and architectural value that is not currently being highlighted. From the city wall built at the end of the Roman Empire to the latest modifications in the early 21st century, the collegiate church has been constructed over a span of more than 17 centuries.

The gardens at the base of the city wall, with increased greenery, form a verdant facade along the avenue, simultaneously showcasing the collegiate church, the Roman wall, and the new civil registry office. The Saint-Pierre Square at the top of the city wall takes on a more mineral character, with careful attention given to the paving and vegetation, enhancing the ground’s permeability while defining the space.

The new civil registry office and the introduction of vertical circulation within a section of the town hall address the issues of access and creating a meaningful connection between the upper and lower city areas.