by
Performance Hall and Childcare Centre, Le Havre
A restricted architectural competition for designing a new cultural and childcare complex combining a 250-seat performance hall and municipal crèche in Le Havre.
The Ville du Havre is commissioning a new cultural and early childhood facility located at the junction of rue Florimond Laurent and avenue du Bois au Coq, in the Mare Rouge district of northern Le Havre. The project aims to extend the reach of Le Volcan, the city’s national theatre, and to replace the outdated Coquelicots crèche.
The hybrid programme combines a 250-seat modular performance space, three rehearsal studios, artist accommodation (five rooms), a 24-cot crèche, and a Relais Petite Enfance (RPE) centre. The project will create a new cultural hub linking the upper and lower city via the tramway line, fostering artistic exchange and access to culture from early childhood. The site area covers approximately 4,350 m², replacing a 1970s building currently housing local associations and childcare services
Location
Sector
Education / Childcare / Arts
Intervention
New Build
Website
Tender Portal
Tender Stage
Qualification for design competition
Deadline
5 Dec 2025
Project Value/Scale
€15 million (estimate)
Consultant Team
Architect (lead consultant) – registered architect, experienced in theatre and early childhood design
Scenographer (performance venue design specialist)
Structural Engineer
Building Services Engineer (TCE: thermal, fluids, electrical)
Lighting Designer (stage lighting and architectural lighting)
Acoustic Consultant
Fire Safety/SSI Coordinator
Cost Consultant (Économiste de la Construction)
Civil and Landscape Engineer (VRD & external works)
OPC (Project Scheduling and Coordination)
Scenographer (performance venue design specialist)
Structural Engineer
Building Services Engineer (TCE: thermal, fluids, electrical)
Lighting Designer (stage lighting and architectural lighting)
Acoustic Consultant
Fire Safety/SSI Coordinator
Cost Consultant (Économiste de la Construction)
Civil and Landscape Engineer (VRD & external works)
OPC (Project Scheduling and Coordination)
Submission Criteria
4 teams will be shortlisted to proceed to the design stage.
Each shortlisted team submitting a compliant work will receive a €52k honorarium.
Qualification Deliverables:
– DC1 Form – Letter of application and declaration on honour (or European Single Procurement Document, DUME, as an alternative)
– DC2 Form – Declaration of individual candidate or group members
– DC4 Form – Declaration of subcontractors (if applicable)
– Proof of registration with the relevant professional body (for architects: Order of Architects or equivalent)
– Signed declaration confirming no exclusion grounds under French procurement law
– Financial capacity evidence – minimum average turnover of €2.5M over the past three years (for the whole consortium)
Team Identification Note – Description of the project team, including:
– Composition, qualifications, and key roles
– Allocation of responsibilities among disciplines
– Maximum six A4 pages, excluding CVs and organograma
Summary Table of References – Provided in editable Excel format, including for each project:
– Project title and nature (new build, extension, refurbishment)
– Client name
– Project location
– Role and scope of services provided
– Construction cost and area (m²)
– Project status (year completed or in progress)
– Lead designer’s name for design and site supervision phases
Illustrated Reference Portfolio – Provided in editable PowerPoint format:
– Visual presentation of architectural references
Minimum required:
– 3 architectural references (including 1 cultural building and 1 early childhood facility)
– 3 references per technical discipline (structure, scenography, lighting, acoustics, etc.)
– Only realised (built) or ongoing projects under the same firm’s leadership are accepted
Design Competition Deliverables:
– Architectural Design Report – description of design intent, contextual integration, and programme response
– Site Plan and Location Plan – scale drawings showing project integration into the urban context
– Plans, Sections, and Elevations – key drawings illustrating spatial organisation and massing
– 3D Visualisations / Renderings – to illustrate architectural concept and public spaces
– Functional Diagrams – illustrating relationships between uses (performance hall, crèche, public spaces, logistics)
– Technical Report – summarising construction principles, environmental strategy, and energy performance (HQE approach)
– Preliminary Cost Estimate – confirming consistency with the allocated construction budget (€15M excl. tax)
– Outline Schedule – indicative design and construction timeline
Optional / Supporting Material:
– Physical or digital model (if requested by the jury)
– Digital presentation or virtual visit (infographic presentation)