by
New Conservatory and Cultural Hub, Nantes
New civic and cultural hub in Nantes, France, combining conservatoire, municipal services and social facilities within a sustainable regeneration framework.
The City of Nantes is advancing the construction of a new public facilities hub and conservatoire in the Nantes Nord district, as part of a wider urban regeneration strategy within the Chêne des Anglais neighbourhood. Positioned between the Maison de Quartier and Rue Samuel de Champlain, the project occupies a key site at the intersection of major public transport routes and replaces a recently demolished residential tower. Developed jointly by the City of Nantes and Nantes Métropole Habitat, the scheme consolidates a diverse range of civic and cultural functions into a single building, reinforcing local accessibility to public services while promoting social cohesion and cultural participation in a priority neighbourhood.
The proposed 3,800 m² building will accommodate a conservatoire with teaching, rehearsal and performance spaces including a 200-seat auditorium, alongside a local town hall, social services, neighbourhood offices, early years support facilities, and a housing agency. Designed as a highly integrated and flexible civic infrastructure, the project must address complex operational requirements, including shared use by multiple stakeholders and varied acoustic conditions. Strong emphasis is placed on environmental performance and sustainable construction, targeting high energy standards, the use of bio-based and reused materials, and connection to the district heating network. The project also incorporates an ongoing participatory design process, ensuring engagement with residents and future users throughout its development.
Location
Sector
Arts Culture, Civic Community
Intervention
New Build
Website
Tender Portal
Tender Stage
Qualification for Design Competition
Deadline
17 Apr 2026
Project Value/Scale
5-15-million
Consultant Team
Architect (lead)
Building services / environmental engineer (fluids, thermal)
Electrical engineer (high/low current)
Structural engineer
Fire safety (SSI) coordinator
Cost consultant / quantity surveyor
Environmental / sustainability consultant (incl. LCA, biosourced materials)
Acoustic consultant
Scenographer (performance spaces)
Geotechnical engineer
Programme / project management (OPC)
User engagement / consultation specialist (AMU)
Signage designer
Interior designer / furniture designer
Building services / environmental engineer (fluids, thermal)
Electrical engineer (high/low current)
Structural engineer
Fire safety (SSI) coordinator
Cost consultant / quantity surveyor
Environmental / sustainability consultant (incl. LCA, biosourced materials)
Acoustic consultant
Scenographer (performance spaces)
Geotechnical engineer
Programme / project management (OPC)
User engagement / consultation specialist (AMU)
Signage designer
Interior designer / furniture designer
Submission Criteria
3 teams will be shortlisted to the design competition.
Each selected team will receive € 76.8k upon compliant submissions.
Qualification Deliverables:
– Application letter
– Declaration by the candidate
– Proof of registration with the Architects Registration Board (or equivalent)
– Authorisation of the lead consultant by team members (if consortium)
Concise team statement (max. 4 A4 pages excluding CVs) including:
– Team structure and organisation
– Roles and responsibilities
– Skills and competencies
– CVs of key personnel
– Resources allocated to the Project
Completed team summary schedule, including for each team member:
– Company address
– Average staffing levels over last 3 years
– Turnover (overall and relevant) over last 3 years
Project References – 10 references in total:
7 core references:
– 3 architectural (lead architect)
– 2 structural engineering
– 2 environmental / sustainability
3 complementary references:
– 1 project demonstrating user engagement / participatory design (maîtrise d’usage)
– 1 project demonstrating signage / wayfinding design
– 1 project demonstrating fixed furniture design in a public building
Design Reference Sheet:
– 1 x A3 landscape PDF board
– Presenting 3 key architectural references
Including:
– Images (interior/exterior)
– At least one showing urban or landscape integration
– Project titles clearly labelled
Design Competition Deliverables:
Design Proposal (Esquisse level):
– Architectural concept statement
– Functional layout demonstrating compliance with the brief
Concept design drawings, likely including:
– Site plan
– Floor plans
– Sections and elevations
– Key diagrams (functional organisation, circulation, etc.)
Technical and Environmental Strategy:
– Environmental performance (RE2020, low carbon, energy strategy)
– Use of bio-based and reused materials
– Bioclimatic design approach
– Acoustic strategy (critical due to conservatoire use
Cost and Programme Response:
– Compliance with the €15.3m construction budget
– Feasibility within required programme (completion by 2031)