Architecture in Nantes that breathes movement

The project rises over nine floors, four of which are dedicated to the Multimodal Operations Hub (PEM) and five to office space. The ensemble, designed by AIA Life Designers and DREAM and developed with precision, stands as a vertical line that exudes a promise of space efficiency and fluidity.

It is a simple form, yet rich in complexity, unfolding without ostentation, recognizable for its structural clarity, which sets it apart. Its guiding principles are clearly legible: user comfort, restrained volumes, and above all an environmental ambition that asserts itself quietly, as something self-evident. This is the Nantes Multimodal Operations Hub (PEM), a project proudly bearing the combined signature of AIA Life Designers and DREAM.

The chosen verticality is not an escape from the ground, but rather a way of inhabiting the land without encroaching upon it. Limiting the building’s footprint becomes both a political act and a landscape gesture. It is a subtle way of freeing urban space, allowing it to reinvent and densify itself without spreading out. The building is open to everyone, without restriction. Ramps and stairways, moving walkways and freight elevators weave together a circulation system that never feels burdensome. Like an uninterrupted ballet, every route embodies simplicity and inclusiveness. It illustrates the transformations of our time, where mobility knows no boundaries, sustainability continues to evolve, and well-being has become essential. The building thus becomes a witness to perpetual movement, sketching the future of tomorrow’s cities: a place that responds, rearranges itself, folds inward in order to open elsewhere, and remains capable of evolving alongside changing uses and societies.

A breakdown of traditional programmatic boundaries defines the concept of the Multimodal Hub. Its long-span concrete post-and-beam structure frees up space, offers great flexibility, and allows light to enter like a continuous breath. The architecture weaves connections between levels and functions, creating routes that interlock seamlessly while providing a fluid and intuitive experience. It is worth noting that the curved lines, large glazed openings, and generous spaces engage directly with the public realm. While the ground floor accommodates a bus station opening onto the forecourt and platforms, the glazed mezzanine distinguishes itself through its form and incorporates circulation areas that express movement. Two additional levels house a car rental facility. Together, these elements shape a landscape that conceives mobility not as a constraint, but as a metaphor for time.

In the upper section of the building are office spaces that open onto outdoor areas. These are not merely terraces; they are places for sharing, transitional spaces that skillfully connect indoors and outdoors. Here, the atmosphere departs from traditional office conventions. Raw materials such as wood and terracotta tiles occupy the space, creating a feeling of home while retaining the qualities of a public building. The external circulation routes encourage movement and spontaneous encounters, while shaping a living, permeable architecture that resonates with the dynamics of both the site and its users.

Inside, it is a true ode to wood, where DREAM celebrates its expertise. The mass timber structure and CLT floor slabs remain visible, while building services are integrated within the raised floor system, freeing up the volumes and showcasing wood as a material in its own right. This approach reflects a commitment to restraint and authenticity, highlighting a material that warms the space and fosters a tangible sense of well-being. The floor plates, filled with natural light and naturally ventilated, accommodate a wide variety of uses as well as configurations that can evolve with teams, projects, and the rhythms of the working day.

A communal garden is located on the roof. It is a genuine urban oasis, offering unique views across the city. This green lung becomes an ideal place where Nantes-based companies can meet, exchange ideas, inspire one another, and connect in a spirit of shared conviviality. But that is not all: the use of vegetation also contributes to overall thermal comfort. The construction process itself tells another story, with a significant portion of the building having been manufactured off-site. This method was chosen to meet scheduling, quality, and optimisation requirements within a constrained context. AIA Life Designers and DREAM have likely composed a material score, yet it is the whole that creates a symphony. The city breathes, communities come together, and architecture becomes both a living space and a sculpture.

AIA Life Designers’ expertise is wide-ranging. The firm employs 700 people and operates offices across France and internationally. Chloé Duval - Zack, Urban Planner, Urban Project Management Lead, AIA Life Designers, will speak at the ARCHITECT@WORK trade fair, taking place in Nantes on 19 and 20 November 2026.

All images: © Stéphane Chalmeau