Building of the Savings Bank of Bordeaux, Brutalist historical monument in Mériadeck, Bordeaux, France.
The Savings Bank building is a brutalist structure with curved forms that unfold across multiple levels, clad in raw concrete and Brazilian stone. Inside, it contains an underground amphitheater, exhibition spaces, and rooms for cultural events that bring the building to life throughout the year.
The structure was completed in 1977 and followed the total demolition of the old Mériadeck district in 1971, enabling large-scale urban renewal of the quarter. This period of reconstruction shaped the district for decades and set new standards for Bordeaux during that era.
The building's name comes from its original function as a savings bank, and its curved forms stand out against the straight lines that dominate the surrounding district. Visitors notice how these rounded shapes change the way the space feels and invite people to move through the quarter differently.
The building is open to visitors who want to explore its architectural details and exhibition spaces, especially when cultural events are taking place. It helps to check in advance when exhibitions are scheduled to fully experience the interior.
The building received protected monument status while architect Edmond Lay was still alive, an unusual recognition for a contemporary structure of that time. This early recognition shows how notable the architectural achievement was considered even then.
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