French architecture practice Atelier Aconcept delivered the Nikola Karabatic Sports Complex in Mennecy for the Communauté de Communes du Val d’Essonne department in Île-de-France in northern France The result is a timber structure with a large cantilever The design consists of two interlocking rectangular volumes maximising the façade and protecting it from direct sunlight A projecting lintel acts as a sunshade in summer Atelier Aconcept creates the double-height lobby as an extension of the esplanade supported by glazing on three sides that allows for the passage of natural light This space provides access to the mezzanine which extends as a continuation of the ground floor which receives natural light from the north and south through glass panels The rectangular hall allows for various sporting configurations and has stands with capacity for 100-150 spectators A shared storage area also enhances its functionality The building differentiates the program's functions thanks to a rectangular courtyard that also provides natural light for the management areas The parking lot is designed as a landscape element linked to the natural environment Complexe sportif Nikola Karabatic by Atelier Aconcept Project description by Atelier Aconcept Situated at the southern edge of a business district the sports complex’s shimmering reflections pay tribute to the medal-studded career of the French champion making it a landmark for regional development Its imposing metallic façade underscores the facility’s open and public nature This strategic layout maximises the façade’s impact while shielding users from direct sunlight A slight overhang of the lintel serves as a sunshade during the long summer days the reception hall seamlessly extends from the forecourt blurring the boundary between interior and exterior this atrium fosters transparency between form and function guiding visitors to the heart of the building The double-height hall provides easy access to the mezzanine which naturally extends from the ground floor Wrapped in gold-colored expanded metal that shifts with the light the suspended volume houses the multi-sports hall This space accommodates a variety of covered outdoor activities and features a generous landscaped exterior A continuous strip of natural light from the north and a glazed band to the south bathe the interior in brightness Maximising the building’s height strengthens its architectural presence The golden cladding is a deliberate choice—both eye-catching and symbolic of the pursuit of excellence associated with Nikola Karabatic’s name The upper-level sports hall is a perfectly rectangular space designed for multiple sports configurations with tiered seating for 100 to 150 spectators The facility’s versatility is further demonstrated by two auxiliary rooms on the ground floor These square-shaped activity spaces each feature at least one uninterrupted wall these rooms seamlessly connect with the business park A shared storage area adjacent to these spaces enhances their adaptability Spacious circulation areas emphasise user comfort A central patio at ground level provides natural light and visual relief before extending into a larger which illuminates the mezzanine and surrounding walkways The site’s constraints posed challenges for parking leading to an innovative solution that integrates stormwater management The parking area is designed as a landscaped element Atelier Aconcept. Concrete structure.- Gaïa.Timber structure.- Ligot.MEP engineering.- LBEiHQE-sustainable development.- Cardonnel.Acoustic consultant.- Artacoustique Built-up Area.- 2,000 m².Outdoor Pump tracks and landscaped parking for 120 vehicles 11h45. The firm has worked on projects involving collective housing standing out for its comprehensive approach that ranges from territorial analysis to architectural execution Its projects include the master plan for the Noyer Renard urban development zone in Athis-Mons the redevelopment of the La Croix Blanche neighborhood center in Vigneux-sur-Seine and the eco-neighborhood project for the Gratte-Ciel Nord urban development zone in Villeurbanne Atelier Aconcept also actively participates in public competitions and collaborates with developers the studio received the Prix National Arturbain for its work on the reconfiguration of the Ris-Orangis urban center a recognition awarded by the Ministry of Ecological Transition and the SEPAD association Archive Architecture Mark your calendars for the 2025 edition of the Mennecy Metal Fest on Friday September 5 Saturday September 6 and Sunday September 7 with an explosive line-up featuring over 30 bands!What's on the program A number of big names from the international metal scene whose power-speed metal is as effective as it is powerful Finland's Waltari and Spain's Holycide and Unbounded Terror are also expected in Essonne in September 2025 The Mennecy Metal Fest confirms the arrival of Loudblast who will be celebrating 40 years in the music business The festival also plans to spotlight lesser-known bands such as Bloody Flow not forgetting the winners of the Tremplin by Le Stock and Metal Kombat III the Mennecy Metal Fest continues year after year to showcase this diverse artistic movement rich in artistic qualities appreciated by a growing audience are you ready to fill up on metal music this autumn Join us in Mennecy's Parc de Villeroy on September 5 for the 13th edition of the Mennecy Metal Fest Refer your establishment, click here Promote your event, click here Road signs urging drivers to slow down so as to protect roaming cats and other animals have been set up in a town an hour’s drive south of Paris They were installed this summer on the initiative of a municipal employee who is also the founder of a local cat shelter in Mennecy in Essonne (Ile-de-France) “We always had a lot of stray cats,” said Antoine Toche “Mr Garnier had been feeding them for 15 years and he would also gather their bodies when they got run over His shelter ‘Aux Mennechats’ captures and sterilises stray cats when possible but Mr Garnier noticed that many animals were being killed while crossing roads He was able to bring the issue to the attention of the mayor through his job and proposed the idea of new road signs featuring common animals The proposal was submitted to a common fund for the Ile-de-France region The project was able to gather €10,000 in funding which led to the mairie partnering with a company to design and produce the road signs Around 30 signs were installed in areas prone to accidents and frequented by animals hedgehogs and horses and urge drivers to slow down Mennecy had been awarded the label of ‘animal-friendly town’ with a ‘3 paw’ rating (the highest) and congratulations from the jury The award is given by the Ile-de-France region with a total of 102 towns granted ratings from 1 to 3 paws Towns are evaluated based on the well-being of animals and the effort put on integrating them to schools and retirement homes Feedback from residents has been overwhelmingly positive although a few have criticised the project on social media claiming it is a waste of taxpayers' money it’s from the Ile-de-France fund,” said Mr Toche Mennecy has also been contacted by multiple other towns which wish to implement similar road signs The mairie insists that the road signs are copyright free and encourages other towns to follow their example 'Wolf' filmed in Sarthe, north west France turns out to be a pet dog Are speed camera detectors in cars legal in France? Cat owners in France urged to vaccinate pets against fatal disease A new report has issued recommendations on how road users can share the ‘public highway’ more effectively Avoid a fine and points on your licence by familiarising yourself with these rules Uncleaned mess is highlighted with fluorescent orange paint EXCLUSIVE: Sleep Token Members REVEALED! Tommy Vext (ex-Bad Wolves) will be filling in for Ill Niño vocalist Marcos Leal during the band's European/UK tour with Ektomorf and Mind Incision FRA – Mennecy Metal Festival09/07 Brighton Threads | Instagram | RSS | Support | @jordanmohler Kill The Music participates in affiliate marketing programs which means we get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links We only recommend products we genuinely like and purchases made through our links support our mission and the free content we publish here on KTM The underground rapid transit lines have been under construction for almost two decades due to various project delays The cross pinnacle on the Tower of Jesus Christ will be ready to receive visitors in 2026 on the centennial of Gaudi’s death Now you can get your wine in Talence by paying directly in Bitcoin That’s because the state has to spend money on updating the railway infrastructure rather than subsidizing the cost of the popular pass Steffen Romstöck said that he would respect the residents’ choice and would take over the helm of the municipality which will come into force from 1 January 2025 Rethinking renewable energy sources for the urban landscape But operating them is still illegal under the country’s legislation can inform and inspire communities and entrepreneurs that still feel trepidation at the prospect of energy transition it has a unique modular design that allows it to be shortened and lengthened like a train that’s the promise made by the mayor of Paris the district has long been known as the hangout spot for the artsy crowds Hostal de Pinós is located in the geographical centre of the autonomous region the ranking considers several distinct but essential factors these quiet areas will now be available on all main routes in the country The academic institution shows a deeper understanding of the well-being of its students The traffic signage posts also include horses and hedgehogs in a bid to better the welfare of all local animals has recently installed some new road signs featuring horses Whereas horse traffic signs are part of the road network in other countries as well the inclusion of domestic felines on a sign is rather unusual the triangular sign features the words “Chat en balade” (Cat taking a walk) below the outline of a black cat the authorities have stated that the signs are not meant as a joke or as a sign of warning to superstitious drivers The installation of the new signs has to do with the town’s policies to earn and maintain its “Animal-Friendly Town” label (Ville Amies des Animaux) for the second year in a row The label is an initiative of the Ile-de-France region which seeks to promote animal rights there regardless of whether they are domestic pets It's a way to raise awareness among people who will react a little differently if we are talking about animals or people If it can make it possible for people to drive more slowly it will make for more safety and less noise pollution for everyone,” said Jean-Philippe Dugoin-Clément the town of Mennecy might be unique even among the other animal-friendly towns The initiative to design and place them originated locally from a cat-owners association called Aux Mennechats was saddened to constantly pick up dead animals on the roads and decided to do something about this issue. the road signs are free of copyright and other towns are encouraged to adopt them as a good practice The 10th European Conference on Sustainable Cities and Towns (ESCT) sets the stage for stronger cooperation between the EU national and local level to fast track Europe's transition to climate neutrality Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces An interview with the Mayor of a Polish city that seeks to reinvent itself An interview with the newly elected ICLEI President and Mayor of Malmö A conversation with the Mayor of Lisbon about the spirit and dimensions of innovation present in the Portuguese capital Every year, there are many festivals in France. Festivals dedicated to French chanson, rap or electro... some musical events also give pride of place to metal and other extreme music inviting local groups as well as international artists Let's take a look at the 8 must-see metal festivals in France this year Please note that this list is not exhaustive and that several other metal festivals take place in France every year PARIS (Reuters) – France has reported 3,376 new confirmed COVID-19 cases over the last three days the country’s health department said on Monday while the number of people being treated in ICUs for the disease is creeping higher The seven-day moving average for new cases has held above the 1,000 threshold for the fifth day in a row meaning the country is experiencing levels not seen since a two-month lockdown France’s total number of cases now stands at 191,295 The 1,125 daily average of cases seen since the beginning of August is more than twice as high a June’s 435 figure and a third higher than July’s 746 French Prime Minister Jean Castex urged people not to let down their guard in the fight against COVID-19 has ordered people to wear masks outdoors in busy pedestrian streets The number of people in intensive care units for COVID-19 stood at 384 on Monday the second time in a week that figure has increased after declining for 16 weeks Hospitalisations decreased by a 100 to 5,198 continuing a 10-week long trend and suggesting the recent spike in cases has not translated in a renewed strain on the health system at this stage French health authorities reported 29 additional deaths from the disease Powered by PageSuite View upcoming auction estimates and receive personalized email alerts for the artists you follow Few would argue with the premise of this exhibition that “some of the most exciting and innovative art ever made” came from Paris in the period between Degas and Picasso