Ateliers O-S Architectes’ New Cultural Center in Nevers Incorporates Public Space into the Roof Design

The roof of this fantastic <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/community-center/" target="_blank">community center</a> in France is covered with bleachers, creating an inviting meeting space. Designed by <a href="http://www.o-s.fr/" target="_blank">Ateliers O-S Architectes</a>, the two-story center features a courtyard at the heart of the site, creating a community space to be used for games and events, or even a picnic spot for the local neighborhood. The center is located in the French town of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nevers" target="_blank">Nevers</a>, and it's designed to create an extensive public space for the town's residents.

Small square windows bring streams of light into the interior space.

Natural light floods into the ground floors.

Each of the concrete walls are concealed by timber cladding and make the space ambient and warm.

The construction also incorporates a first floor balcony which overlooks the space, and a 220-seat auditorium on the ground-floor.

Surrounding the central courtyard are the glazed walls of the center.

Besides the innovative concept of the roof, the center is a building designed to fulfil its purpose for the community, and includes many of the typical features that are useful for local residents.