© Duccio Malagamba
Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande in the south-west of Rennes is a belated urbanization initiative. For a long time, all that existed on the municipal land here were suburban estates, large industrial plants and a commercial airport. In the course of the past 20 years, however, the local authority has created a new centre in the form of le Morinais urban development zone (ZAC). On a 180-hectare site, some 3,200 dwellings have been erected as well as 60,000 m2 of offices, shops and public facilities.
The Church of the Resurrection by Álvaro Siza stands next to an artificial pool of water in the centre of the district. The site, only 400 m2 in area, is flanked on three sides by four- to five-storey housing blocks. The architect has responded to the somewhat unusual urban situation with a sculptural volume in white concrete that is largely closed externally. The modest main entrance gives on to a forecourt with a free-standing campanile.
The Church of the Resurrection by Álvaro Siza stands next to an artificial pool of water in the centre of the district. The site, only 400 m2 in area, is flanked on three sides by four- to five-storey housing blocks. The architect has responded to the somewhat unusual urban situation with a sculptural volume in white concrete that is largely closed externally. The modest main entrance gives on to a forecourt with a free-standing campanile.