PIECE OF TRACK AT THE COMMERCY VELODROME #VOLUME (FRANCE-GRAND EST)

Interested in architecture? Discover this VOLUME digital model of a remarkable contemporary architecture in the Grand Est region of France. The VOLUME model highlights the volumetry and form of this architecture. Have fun printing it out to better understand and appreciate it, and we hope it will inspire you to visit!

There are currently 110 outdoor velodromes in mainland France, but only three in the Grand Est region (with the Hautepierre velodrome in Strasbourg and the Ladhof velodrome in Colmar dating from 1954). Velodromes dating from the inter-war period are now rare in France (25), and those dating from the immediate post-war period are even rarer (fewer than 15). The Commercy velodrome is a rare example of the reconstruction of a sports facility during the second French reconstruction, but also of the history of cycling in Commercy, which began at the end of the 19th century. From 1946 onwards, it became a benchmark in the history of track cycling facilities, thanks to its incredible modernity and distinctive profile, with its banked bends and very short straights enabling speeds of up to 80 km/h to be reached. Today, it is part of a landscape opening onto the canal and bordered by farmland. Its banked curves create an exceptional and imposing architectural feature: a track encircled by a thick masonry wall, bordered by lawns. The velodrome is a mineral architectural object emblematic of the Commercian landscape. The extension and renovation by Philippe Fraisse is sober and mineral. The stands and changing rooms, built in 2005, complete this facility, which is still approved for Olympic competitions. The work on materiality is particularly noteworthy: unfinished concrete and Euville stone facing on the street facilitate integration with the existing structure.

In 2023, the Commercy velodrome was awarded the "Remarkable Contemporary Architecture" label by the French Ministry of Culture for works less than 100 years old. To date, the Grand Est region of France boasts around 200 buildings graced with this label created by the law of July 7, 2016. A collection that highlights architecture as a living practice.

(Photos: Studio 3DxC, La Fabrique des Possibles, Jade Berger)

Location

France ; Grand Est ; Meuse (55) ; Commercy ; rue du Docteur-Boyer

Digital model produced and distributed by the Ministère de la Culture (DRAC Grand Est). Produced by Studio 3DxC.

Further information

https://www.culture.gouv.fr/Regions/DRAC-Grand-Est/aides/labels/Label-Architecture-contemporaine-remarquable-dans-le-Grand-Est

https://www.pop.culture.gouv.fr/notice/merimee/ACR0001794