New Harbour Master's Office of Calais

Written By Omar Dahabra

Location: Calais, France
Year: 2023
Architects: Atelier 9.81
Photography by: Nicolas da Silva Lucas

As France's leading port for passenger traffic and a major cargo port, Calais is benefiting from a strong increase in activity. In order to respond to the constraints induced by this increase, as well as by the size of the new generation of ships, an ambitious plan to extend the port has been launched: Port Calais 2015. This new port is made up of a vast basin, protected by a 3.2 km long dyke, with a new esplanade supporting multiple services.

A major reception point, a real entrance to the city, the port and all its facilities constitute the first contact with the city of Calais. As such, the qualities of reception and image are of particular importance.

It is in this context that the new harbour master's office is being built, at the junction of the existing port and its extension, whose lookout is 38 metres high. This essential maritime traffic management structure acquires a status that goes far beyond its functional role. Visible from the sea as much as from the town and the beaches, it is the sign and symbol of a port in full expansion, and asserts itself as an emblem for a town in movement. Text description by the architects.

Source: www.divisare.com + www.atelier981.org

Omar Dahabra
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