Architects: Christophe Gulizzi
Area: 2,350 m²
Year: 2013
Photography: Lisa Ricciotti
Structural Engineers: Gagneraud
Contractors: Saam, Profils Systèmes
City: Plan-d’Orgon
Country: France
The Jean Sidoine sports complex, designed by architect Christophe Gulizzi, is a response to Plan-d’Orgon’s need for modern sports infrastructure. Completed in 2013, the facility incorporates a gymnasium, dojo, and fitness spaces. The design draws on local culture, with raw white concrete facades featuring floral openings inspired by Provençal veils, creating a blend of contemporary function and traditional aesthetics. The building’s integration into the neo-Provençal environment reflects its connection to both the rural landscape and regional architectural traditions.
According to Jean-Philippe Di Vanno, director of technical services in Plan-d’Orgon, the town’s sports clubs had previously been forced to travel to neighboring areas due to the lack of suitable facilities. This shortage motivated the creation of the sports hall, which now provides the community with a comprehensive venue for various sports activities. The Jean Sidoine complex stands as a vital addition to Plan-d’Orgon, meeting the needs of local athletes while celebrating the town’s cultural heritage.
The sports complex features raw white concrete with floral motifs in its openings, which reference both the local flora and traditional Provençal mantillas, particularly those worn during the Lou Biou celebrations. This design detail emerged from the collaboration between Gulizzi and the Gagneraud building company. Di Vanno emphasized the technical challenges of using raw concrete, including the need for onsite pouring. Gulizzi noted the complexity in creating the floral patterns, which required custom molds and extensive prototyping. Some setbacks occurred, such as the demolition of a 20-meter wall due to substandard concrete.
The floral openings are paired with glass panels that allow natural light to filter through while minimizing the use of aluminum, highlighting the building’s concrete-glass interplay. The complex comprises two volumes: a 4.5-meter-high unit around the periphery, designed to fit with the surrounding houses, and an 8.3-meter-high volume containing the gymnasium, the core of the complex.
The project reflects the territorial identity of the Camargue, with its white concrete facade echoing lime-coated Provençal buildings. The building plays with light and shadow, establishing a connection with its surroundings. Facilities include a gymnasium, dojo, dance studio, and fitness room, blending the sports infrastructure into the rural environment and neighboring residential developments.
The design of the Jean Sidoine sports complex draws from its physical and cultural surroundings The initial impression of massiveness gives way to a sense of lightness and openness as visitors approach, with the structure appearing to dissolve into gaps and openings reminiscent of natural erosion. The transition from exterior to interior is designed as a journey, enriching the visitor’s experience as they move through the space.
The 2,350 m² project was funded by the Conseil général des Bouches-du-Rhône, the municipality of Plan-d’Orgon, and the French Ministry of Sports, with an investment of 3.8 million euros. The primary contractors, Saam, Profils Systèmes, and Gagneraud, were instrumental in realizing Gulizzi’s vision.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: 14240 Rte des Écoles, Plan-d’Orgon 13750, France
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
