fig 8A, FRAC, Dunkerque by Lacaton & Vasal, Frontal Facade, showing the old building and new 'copy' next to each other

fig 8B, FRAC, Dunkerque by Lacaton & Vasal

fig 8C, FRAC, Dunkerque by Lacaton & Vasal, The beautiful transparency of the skin invites the outside world in and ceases to be distant as an art institution might be. The shell does only what it is meant to do, protect its core from the outer elements. The glass and steel myth was reinterpreted and altered with a plastic and steel frame.

fig 8D, FRAC, Dunkerque by Lacaton & Vasal, Steel connection between the old and new building.

fig 8E, FRAC, Dunkerque by Lacaton & Vasal, The climactic gain from this greenhouse concept is an ingenious solution for the demand of more self-sufficient buildings and energy efficiency. The circulation spaces function as a buffer between the spaces and the one-layered shell.

fig 8F, FRAC, Dunkerque by Lacaton & Vasal, Where the spaces themselves border the shell, at the upper level aswell as the vertical separation space between the 2 monoliths, another ingenious transparant envelope is applied. Convexly shaped hard plastic is placed in layers against eachother so an insulating layer of air is trapped inside this half orb space.

fig 8G, FRAC, Dunkerque by Lacaton & Vasal, Detailed section

fig 8H, FRAC, Dunkerque by Lacaton & Vasal, Front facade detail