2018

Carreau Wendel

The conversion of the mining site into a place to explore the history of mining—the Les Mineurs de Wendel Museum—creates a landscape in which the buildings are integrated. The use of a red paving slab provides visual, aesthetic, and functional unity by connecting the various areas of the site. Across the expanse of the slab, landscaped islands connecting the two museums lengthwise feature seating elements with identical profiles but varying lengths, all aligned in the same parallel orientation. This family of structures unfolds in a geometric progression, with heights and lengths that vary according to the necessary identification features and the directional orientation on the site. These structures are crafted from the same tinted material as the slab and form part of a conceptual grid that connects them from the service areas and exterior pathways to the central Carreau Wendel slab. These concrete furniture elements are designed to display orientation and identification information for locations throughout the mining site. Spectacular pits showcase machine tools—relics of the coal mining era in Lorraine—and offer an outdoor extension of the thematic trails. 

The new esplanade of Parc Explor Wendel in Petite-Rosselle was inaugurated in early December 2018. This new heart of the Carreau is set to become a place for strolling and cultural activities. It marks the first phase of the site’s transformation, which is scheduled to continue through 2025. In the buildings adjacent to the red square, the joint association of the mining museum would like to see economic activities develop. 

Design Team — Ruedi Baur and David Thoumazeau
Landscape Architects — Atelier Cap Paysage Urbanisme