Danish architecture firm BIG has revealed ambitious plans for a striking new conference center called 'The Sail' in Rouen, France. The mass-timber structure will feature a distinctive swooping roof and will be strategically positioned along the Seine River to serve as a cultural hub for the Normandy Metropolis.
The innovative design aims to create a vital connection between the historic city of Rouen and its waterfront, providing much-needed public space for residents and visitors alike. The Sail will house two auditoriums, extensive exhibition spaces, meeting rooms, and a restaurant, all constructed within an environmentally conscious mass-timber framework that reflects modern sustainable building practices.
BIG's design draws significant inspiration from Rouen's architectural heritage, specifically referencing the city's traditional half-timbered houses in the building's glass and timber facades. The dramatic sweeping roof takes its cues from ship sails, paying homage to the region's rich maritime history while creating a bold new silhouette on Rouen's skyline. The roof will be equipped with photovoltaic panels to generate renewable energy for the facility.
The building's orientation has been carefully planned to maximize its impact and functionality. The tallest facade will face both the Seine River and the main road, featuring long timber columns that support a gently curving roofline that sweeps dramatically upward at one end. On the city-facing side, the roof transforms into six distinctive scalloped waves that extend outward to form protective canopies over outdoor public spaces.
'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,' explained Jakob Sand, a partner at BIG. He emphasized the building's dual character, noting how 'the building greets visitors from the highway with a vertical facade, while on the city side, the roof creates sheltered canopies, extending the foyer into a human-scaled public landscape.'
Sustainability remains a core focus of the project's design philosophy. Sand highlighted that the structure represents both environmental responsibility and cultural significance: '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.'
The interior design will showcase the building's timber structure and characteristic curving roof, leaving these architectural elements exposed to create dramatic interior spaces. The surrounding landscape will feature trees and planted areas that will be irrigated using rainwater collected from the building's roof, further demonstrating the project's commitment to environmental stewardship.
This latest project adds to BIG's growing portfolio of innovative designs. The firm has recently unveiled other ambitious projects, including conceptual renders for a completely new city built from scratch in the American desert, and plans for the four-building 670 Mesquite complex in Los Angeles, which recently received planning approval nine years after the initial designs were first released.
