OVERVIEW LENS TOWN CENTRE ARCHITECTURES EDITORIAL LENS FROM MEDIEVAL VILLAGE TO MINING TOWN

Rebuilt after it was totally destroyed during the First World War, then again when Second World War bombing caused extensive damage, Lens town centre was also affected by the economic crisis that took hold when mining activity came to an end. MEDIEVAL LENS rous mining shafts were sunk and several pits, Currently the focal point of large-scale redevelopment and repurposing projects once During the Middle Ages, Lens was a large, mining villages and districts were created with again, it symbolises the region’s capacity for resilience. rural town boasting major fairs and markets. shared facilities (school, medical centre, etc.) Intrinsically linked to the troubled history of the 20th century, the town’s two periods Barges travelling on the Deûle river loaded to encourage self-sufficiency. of reconstruction have resulted in an ‘open-air encyclopaedia’ of contemporary archi- and unloaded on its banks. The river powered Thanks to its train station and canal, Lens was tecture, showing the influence of successive currents and styles from Regionalism and four watermills; while a windmill overlooked also a transport hub, fully equipped for indus- seaside design to Art Deco and Functionalism, etc. the ramparts. Lens was situated on the ear- trial expansion. This brochure is an invitation to take a closer look at the rich variety of architecture in liest route taking merchants from northern The town’s appearance changed considerably Lens town centre. Take the time to stop and look up to admire the architectural designs Flanders to Paris, it also passed through with the creation of mining districts on the as well as the bas-reliefs, sculptures, mosaics, stained glass, ceramic and ironwork used and Arras. The Lens ‘prévôté’ (court or unit of outskirts of the town centre. to decorate the facades. They bear witness to the creativity and talent of several gene- justice) and ‘baillage’ or bailiwick (administra- rations of architects, artists and craftsmen. tive, financial and judicial district) were among WW1 1914-1918 Enjoy the tour! the most important in the Artois region. By 1918, there was nothing left of Lens. Standing We know what the town looked like because in the rubble, Alfred Bucquet, a teacher working it was painted for the Albums de Croÿ. It was for the Société des Mines de Lens at the primary surrounded by ramparts and moats. Inside the school in Cité Saint-Pierre, described a town fortifications, there was a castle and various that had been totally destroyed, not a single buildings, including several places of worship, wall was left standing. This was the aftermath the Saint-Léger church, Notre-Dame collegiate of four years of war and occupation. Between 4 church, the Récollets convent, as well as the October 1914 and 4 October 1918, the town was town hospice. subjected to successive waves of bombing and

Sylvain ROBERT Christelle BUISSETTE battles. On 18 January 1916, Saint-Léger Church Chairman of the ‘Communauté Chairperson for cultural DISCOVERY OF COAL collapsed. On 16 February 1917, the gasworks d’Agglomération’ (City Council) dynamics Discovering coal transformed Lens into a on Avenue du 4 septembre and the surrounding of Lens-Liévin major industrial town. From 3,000 inhabi- streets would suffer the same fate. tants in 1852, its population soared to 36,000 The people of Lens were evacuated on 11 April inhabitants in 1914, equivalent to the current 1917. Any buildings which were still standing population. The Société des Mines de Lens were blown up or burned… There were no two ways about it, the entire town had to be rebuilt. was established in 1852. From then on, nume- 3 3 4

RECONSTRUCTION ÉMILE BASLY (1854-1928) Since 90% of Lens was destroyed by the end Mayor of Lens and Member of Parliament of the First World War, the town’s urban lands- for Pas-de–Calais, he was the driving force cape was mainly shaped by reconstruction 1 behind reconstruction. work, which continued until the late 1920s. As He worked underground for 18 years and 1. Lens, Album de Croÿ required by the Cornudet Law of 1919, a plan © Archives municipales de Lens 6Fi682 was thrown out of the Compagnie des for the town’s development, improvement and Mines d’Anzin in 1880 after his first strike 2. Vintage postcard, the ruins extension was drawn up. Approved in 1924, it action. From then on, he became active of Saint-Léger Church allowed for the creation of wide boulevards © Archives municipales de Lens 5Fi_62498_175 in the trade union. He gained a reputation offering uninterrupted views and reinstated 3. and 4. Postcards of Rue des écoles for his speaking talents and self-assurance former streets, as well as adding new streets to before and after 1914 which opened the doors to the French © Archives municipales de Lens 5Fi_62498_7 reduce the density of residential areas, remo- et 5Fi_62498_280 parliament in 1885 and 1891, enabling ving level crossings, dead-ends and ensuring him to bring in laws to improve working that roads were suitable for motor traffic. On conditions for miners. He became Mayor the other hand, no specific regulations were of Lens in 1900 and devoted his efforts to imposed on architectural designs. rebuilding the town after WW1. He was even afforded a form of literary immor- ANOTHER WAR, ANOTHER WAVE tality by Émile Zola, who took inspiration OF DESTRUCTION from his life story to create the character In 1945, Lens was declared a “disaster area” by of Étienne Lantier in Germinal. ministerial decree of 3 March 1945. Bombings in June and August 1944 had destroyed 950 buildings in Lens town centre and left 4,170 MODERN LENS damaged, i.e. 47% of all buildings. The railway When coal production stopped in 1986, the town system, schools and town hall were partly experienced economic decline and population destroyed. loss. Boosted by the opening of the Louvre-Lens museum in 2012, a number of major projects in the Lens-Liévin district have transformed the 2 4 town and enhanced its attractiveness. 5 LENS TOWN CENTRE ARCHITECTURES

Take a wander through the town or try one Reconstruction of the following routes : Architecture of the Société des Mines de Lens Reconstruction after the Second World War Contemporary architecture from 1970 to the present

1 PLACE JEAN-JAURÈS 3 SAINT-LÉGER CHURCH Dominated by Saint-Léger Church and the The former church building, dating back to town hall, the square is the historic heart of 1780, was destroyed during the First World 1 2 the mining district. It was extended during War. An identical copy, built by Douai-born reconstruction and its name was changed to architect Jean Goniaux, was inaugurated in 1. Town hall before 1914 3. Town hall © Archives Municipales de Lens © Jean-Christophe Hecquet / CALL Place Jean-Jaurès. The buildings lining the 1926. Only one key aspect of the building’s 5Fi_62498_152 square represent various architectural styles. structure was altered. Reinforced concrete 2. Town hall in 1930 Regionalist facades (No. 14) sit alongside was used, rather than stone, to lighten the © Archives Municipales de Lens 4Fi 196 more classical designs (No. 11), decorated building and counteract the consequences with sculpted garlands of flowers and fruit, of any movement in the ground caused by 3 and distinctive Art Deco facades (Nos. 3 and mining subsidence. The existing buttresses on 4). A number of shop-owners followed the the facade were removed in favour of a more department store model, using large windows monumental entrance. to make the most of natural light. 4 TOWN HALL 2 À LA VILLE DE LIMOGES A new town hall had been decided on by the Destroyed during the First World War, this municipality in 1912 and was nearly complete shop was rebuilt in 1924 in an Art Deco style. when war broke out in August 1914. Totally The building stands out thanks to its brightly destroyed, the Neoclassical building with coloured facade, featuring a ceramic décor imposing dimensions was rebuilt using the of porcelain objects and floral motifs. These original plans but was damaged once again design choices demonstrate the owner’s goal during the Second World War. Inaugurated of transforming the storefront into a veritable in 1965, the current town hall is the work of showcase to attract the attention of pas- Parisian architect Jean De Mailly, who won the sers-by. One of the square’s iconic buildings, Grand Prix de Rome. The architectural style it now houses the Lens-Liévin tourist office. of the building is avant-garde and functional with glass taking centre stage.

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ART DECO ORNAMENTATION Art Deco artists were interested in decora- 4 IN LENS ting both the interior and the exterior. In this way, architects and craftsmen were invited to work on the same residence. Facades fea- The term Art Deco was defined during the ture ironwork doors, motifs on balconies or 1960s, when studies first identified the inter-war railings, bas-reliefs above doors, as well as aesthetic. After originating in France, this cur- mosaics and ceramic details. rent influenced artistic creation in Europe and throughout the world from the first decade of the MATERIALS 20th century until the 1930s, when it was succee- Using a variety of materials in a single construc- ded by the Modernist movement. Art Deco tends tion is a key feature of Art Deco. More traditional towards a simplification of form, where decora- bricks are used alongside concrete, which was tion is not absent but transformed into geometric an increasingly popular choice in the 20th cen- and stylised shapes. It breaks with the “disorder tury, particularly during the Reconstruction. of Art Nouveau”, in which the aesthetic of curving lines played a key role. Retrospectively, the 1925 IRONWORK International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Spiral motifs and straight lines are the most 1. Bow-window, 22 rue du Maréchal Industrial Arts in Paris, is the event which revealed common shapes, translated into baskets of Leclercq this movement. © Jean-Christophe Hecquet / CALL flowers or fruit, as well as garlands of flowers, symbolising the Renaissance. 2. Mosaic, Rue du Havre ART DECO DETAILS © Lens-Liévin Tourisme 3. Detail on the facade of 83 boule- BOW WINDOWS vard Basly © Jean-Christophe Hecquet / CALL These windows project out over the street, 4. Facade, À la ville de Limoges increasing the floor space inside and creating © Jean-Michel André / Euralens interest on the outside. They also allow more 5. Ceramic, À la ville de Limoges light into rooms. 5 8 © Jean-Michel André / Euralens 9 1 2 3 4 5

5 HÔTEL DES POSTES 7 COLISÉE 9 WELFARE OFFICE 10 FORMER DOT BUILDING Situated behind Saint-Léger Church, the new Located on Rue de Paris, the Colisée cinema Commissioned in 1927, under the aegis of In 1985, the Direction Opérationnelle des post office was inaugurated in 1926. Designed was built in 1965 by the architect Paul Pamart the municipality, the welfare office provided Télécommunications (DOT) moved into this by Bruno Pellissier, an architect who worked from Avion, to replace the Casino cinema, built a variety of services (infant welfare clinics, ship-like building with large circular portholes in Paris and Normandy, the building features in the 1920s. It was sold to Lens town council tuberculosis testing, etc.). One of the pedi- and cantilevered upper floors. It is still used an Art Deco aesthetic: two fairly understated in 1979. Following refurbishment works, inclu- ments on the facade features the Lens coat for office space. facades lead off from the main entrance at the ding extending the stage, the Colisée became of arms, depicting the former county castle, curved corner of the building. Large windows a theatre and concert venue in 1982. This ver- flanked by the French War Cross and Legion of 11 N°31 AND 33 RUE LANOY punctuate the design. satile facility can seat 600. The verticality of Honour, which were awarded to the town after The elaborate roof volumes on these two the building is emphasized by long windows the First World War. Mining tools are repre- houses catch the eye, as well as the sophis- 6 FIRST WORLD WAR MEMORIAL on the upper spaces above the fully glazed sented above it: a pick, lamp and ‘barrette’ ticated floral decoration on the upper level of Rather than glorifying the victors, the ico- ground-floor. helmet (made from boiled leather). The Alfred the buildings. nography of the monument emphasises the Soriaux Community Centre for Social Action ravages of war and underlines the trauma 8 N°9 RUE DU HAVRE has been based in this building since 1998. suffered by the town and its inhabitants. The The imposing middle-class residence on the sculptor, Augustin Lesieux, has depicted two corner of Rue Michelet makes original use of figures on either side of a mine tunnel with eclectic architecture, typical of large town- broken beams: a miner in work clothes with houses in the early 20th century. A substantial clenched fists and a soldier gazing towards eaves overhang, supported by painted-timber the horizon. To the rear, a mother and her corbels, recalls seaside architecture, while 1. Detail of the war memorial © V. De Reu / CALL daughter flee the ravages of war. Dominating mosaics in shades of blue and gold under- the piece, the figure of an outraged woman, line the Art Deco influence. The turret on the 2. Le Colisée symbolising the town of Lens, crushes war corner is reminiscent of the watchtowers on © Jean-Christophe Hecquet / CALL (represented by a torpedo) beneath her foot. medieval fortifications. The house was built by 3. House on Rue du Havre Inaugurated in 1925, the monument stood on Mr Bultez, a public works contractor, based in © Jean-Christophe Hecquet / CALL

Place du Cantin until 1972, when it was moved Noyelles-sous-Lens. 4. Pediment detail, welfare office to the roundabout on Avenue Alfred Van Pelt. © Jean-Christophe Hecquet / CALL

5. Former DOT building 10 © Jean-Christophe Hecquet / CALL 11 1 2 3 4

12 TRIBUNAL DE PROXIMITÉ 13 MINEWORKERS’ TRADE UNION SOCIETE DES MINES DE LENS HOUSING 16 N°27 AND 29 RUE DU WETZ The first court building was built in 1969. Built in response to the Courrières mining FOR DIRECTORS AND ENGINEERS With their elaborate roof volumes and Its structure consists of a metal frame with disaster in 1906, the trade union building In the immediate vicinity of the former ‘grands half-timbering (in blue for one and brown for brick infill. The building was refurbished and symbolises mineworkers’ struggle for labour bureaux’ (main mine offices), several resi- the other), these two houses are reminiscent extended in 2015 according to plans drawn reform. Inaugurated in 1911, it was destroyed dences stand out thanks to their impressive of seaside villas in the Channel Islands. Half- up by the Collectif d’Architectes Léopold during the First World War and a near iden- scale and architectural qualities. They bear timbering is a typical decorative element Canté (CALC). The facade was remodelled to tical copy was rebuilt in 1926. Inspired by witness to the high-ranking positions of their in the architectural style developed by the include large new windows and awnings. On classical design with brick masonry and rus- former occupants within the hierarchy of the Société des Mines de Lens for mineworkers’ Rue Lamendin, a cantilevered extension with ticated stonework, a central projecting sec- mining company. housing. Mock half-timbering, in painted V-shaped concrete supports, provides around tion, culminating in a semicircular pediment, brick, was used for the majority of miners’ 400m2 of additional floor space. a balustrade and bull’s eye windows in the 14 N°20 RUE JEAN SOUVRAZ dwellings. The inclusion of garages with these roof, the architecture is clearly intended to The size of this house, the wide eaves ove- 1920s homes shows the affluence of manage- demonstrate the trade union’s power to those rhang and decorative geometric motifs, rial staff employed by the Société des Mines. in charge of the mines. created using different coloured bricks, dis- The building was purchased in 2004 and reno- tinguish it from houses designed for ordinary 17 N°34 AND 36 RUE DU 11 NOVEMBRE vated between 2014 and 2015 by Lens-Liévin miners. On the first floor, a French window These houses and the wall enclosing their city council. Since 2016, it has served as the opens onto a small balcony over the porch. large garden have been built using millstone headquarters of the Pôle Métropolitain de This feature was also included on presbyteries with ribbon pointing. Often associated with l’Artois, a joint association bringing together in mining districts designed by the Société des prestigious residences in Parisian suburbs three inter-municipalities: Lens-Liévin, Hénin- Mines de Lens. Engineers and priests could use or seaside villas, this material was used by Carvin and Béthune-Bruay Artois Lys Romane. their balcony when addressing the mining the Société des Mines de Lens to enhance 1. Trade union house © M. Brard The staff working at the Culture Department population on various occasions. the appearance of housing for engineers, and the Land of Art and History Department as well as certain facilities (schools, sewing 2. Sculpted detail, Trade union 15 building of Lens-Liévin city council are also based here, N°1 AVENUE ELIE REUMAUX workshops, etc.) and even certain buildings © M. Brard as is the EuraLens association. Geometric patterns, using projecting and at the pitheads. recessed bricks, are not unlike those created 3. Brickwork, Rue Souvraz © Jean-Christophe Hecquet / CALL on the facades of the main mine offices.

4. House on Rue du Wetz 12 © Jean-Christophe Hecquet / CALL 13 1 2 3

19 MILLENNIUM CHURCH 20 BOLLAERT-DELELIS STADIUM LOUIS-MARIE CORDONNIER with the conservative spirit of SML direc- In 1919, a wooden chapel was erected near At the initiative of Félix Bollaert, Director of the (1854-1940) tors, who were also keen to demonstrate Pit 1, belonging to the Mines de Lens, while Société des Mines de Lens, the stadium was Born in 1854 in () their independence from the centralist Saint-Léger church was being rebuilt in the built by miners from Pit 5 to avoid making and trained at the Ecole des Beaux- French State. town centre. It was then provided as a place them redundant during the economic crisis Arts in Paris, the architect Louis-Marie of worship for large numbers of Polish fami- of 1929. Intrinsically linked to the Racing Club Cordonnier made his mark on numerous lies, who moved into the region to support de Lens (established in 1906), the stadium has northern French towns and cities. 18 GRANDS BUREAUX reconstruction and work in the mines. Thanks become a veritable ‘temple’ of football, with He first collaborated with the Société des Constructed by Louis-Marie Cordonnier to donations from the Polish community, this a reputation for enthusiastic home crowds. Mines de Lens in 1904, when he built the between 1928 and 1930, this building was church was built in 1966 to celebrate Poland’s Inaugurated in 1933, it was altered several company headquarters, in a Neoclassical commissioned by the powerful Société des millennium. Inside, stained-glass windows by times before its current layout as an “English style, in Lille. Mines de Lens to house the company’s cen- the artist, Andrzej Kulesza, evoke the country’s style” stadium, allowing supporters to be as After the First World War, the Managing tral departments. Although the building is rich and troubled history. The church stands close as possible to the pitch. It was exten- Director of the Société des Mines de Lens designed in a Regionalist style, the architect testimony to the presence of Polish families sively refurbished before hosting matches (SML), commissioned him to rebuild has cleverly included various elements from in the mining basin. during the Euro 2016 championship. The three churches: Saint-Édouard in Cité the Art Deco vocabulary: continuous lintels project was entrusted to the architect, Pierre 12, Sainte-Barbe in Cité 4 (1929, demo- over the windows, stepped corbels supporting Ferret, who specialises in sporting facilities lished in 1990) and Saint-Théodore in the central balcony, lateral bow windows and and sports architecture. Cité 9 (1930). During the reconstruction, decorative geometric motifs using projecting he completed several town halls and brickwork and alternating colours. The impact churches in the region, as well as the of the building is further enhanced by the for- chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette. A mal garden created by landscape architect 1. Grands bureaux fervent advocate of Regionalism (a style Achille Duchêne. Inside, Art Deco takes centre © M. Brard that sought inspiration in the region’s stage. From lighting by the Maison Daum to 2. Millennium church historical architecture), this period provi- panelling and furniture by Majorelle, as well © Jean-Christophe Hecquet / CALL ded an opportunity to rediscover deeply as ironwork and marble fireplaces, the refine- 3. Stained glass, Millennium church rooted heritage in this region, where coal ment in the overall design is impressive. Since © Y. Cussey / CALL production and the First World War had 1992, the building has housed the Jean Perrin taken their toll. This choice was in line Science Faculty (). 4. Bollaert-Delelis Stadium 4 © Lanoo Photographe / Cardete & huet Architectes / 14 Atelier Ferret Architectures 15 1 4 5

1. Louvre-Lens 21 LOUVRE-LENS 22 N°2 BOULEVARD BASLY © Jean-Michel André/ Euralens Inaugurated in 2012, the Louvre-Lens museum This Haussmann-style residential building, 2. Louvre-Lens was built on the site of former Pit 9 belonging with a wraparound balcony, is ideally situated © Jean-Christophe Hecquet / CALL to the Société des Mines de Lens. These pres- at the corner of the street. The rusticated tigious facilities symbolise the redevelopment facade, fluted corbels supporting the balcony, 3. Entrance lobby at the Louvre- Lens museum of the region. Designed by the Japanese pilasters and inverted corbels framing win- © Jean-Michel André / Euralens architects, Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, of the dows in the roof space show the influence of

4. Collège Michelet SANAA agency and the landscape designer, Neoclassical architecture, while the sculpted © Jean-Christophe Hecquet / CALL Catherine Mosbach, the museum-park fits in garlands recall the rich decoration used on 5. 83 boulevard Basly subtly within its environment. The location Flemish Renaissance facades. © Jean-Christophe Hecquet / CALL and architecture of the buildings, with vast sections of glazing and anodised aluminium, 23 COLLÈGE MICHELET 2 fosters an ongoing dialogue – between reflec- Built in the early 1920s, this building used tive effects and transparency – with the green to house the Condorcet school and features landscape of the former mining wasteland. In decorative mosaics, including the initials ‘V’ contrast to its sister museum in Paris, which and ‘L’ (Ville de Lens) as well as the historic is organised into departments (paintings, county castle. Egyptian antiquities, Islamic arts, etc.), here, the works are exhibited in an uninterrupted 24 N°83 BOULEVARD BASLY open space: the Galerie du Temps, where visi- This small townhouse stands out thanks to its tors can travel through centuries and civilisa- curved bow window and a decorative bas-re- tions to explore the Louvre’s collections from lief on the gable depicting a basket of stylised a unique new perspective. flowers, characteristic of Art Deco. This motif is echoed on the ironwork balustrade. BOULEVARD ÉMILE BASLY Leading off from Place Jean-Jaurès, this busy shopping street is one of the main roads in the town centre and features an eclectic range of 3 16 architectural styles. 17 1 2 4

25 N°124 BOULEVARD BASLY 27 FORMER BANQUE DE FRANCE 28 LENS TRAIN STATION A striking example of an Art Deco facade. MOSAICS The Banque de France in Lens was destroyed Inaugurated in 1927 and built to resemble a The two-storey bow window is supported by Inside the building, four cubist-ins- during the Second World War. Inaugurated steam locomotive, this building epitomises stepped corbels. A number of floral bas-re- pired mosaics are the work of Auguste in December 1955, the existing building was the Art Deco style in Lens, demonstrating liefs decorate the facade. Below the cornice, Labouret. designed by Paul Tournon, consultant archi- both technical and stylistic prowess. To wit- sculpted timber supports, imitating medieval The first, on the forecourt side, depicts tect for the Banque de France between 1947 hstand subsidence issues caused by mining, gargoyles, add a touch of originality. the railway industry: a signal-box, loco- and 1964. With three sections forming a ‘U’ the architect, Urbain Cassan, proposed a motive, wagon, depot, telephone wires shape around a courtyard and private garden single-storey horizontal building, spanning 26 FORMER MINERS’ RELIEF SOCIETY and signals all seem to vie for position to the rear, the layout is reminiscent of impo- over 80m. The structure used reinforced HEALTH CENTRE in the smoky air. sing French townhouses known as ‘hôtels par- concrete, a newly available material, that was This vast building, designed by Bernard Opposite, on the quay side, an alterna- ticuliers’. The Neoclassical style of the building light and easy to use. Provision was made for Lhotelier, Guy Robin and Jean-Baptiste Hache, tive form of coal transport is given pride fits into the local landscape thanks to the use hydraulic cylinders to be added to the founda- was inaugurated in 1931. Its understated of place: barges. of a regional material, brick. Lens town council tions to compensate any shifts in the ground. architecture looks ahead to the Modernist Above the ticket office, the mosaic took ownership of the building in 2012, when Secondary buildings (former restaurant, train movement, though the three gables punctua- depicts a mining landscape, punc- the Banque de France departments were relo- staff building, etc.) feature the same archi- ting the facade with vertical brickwork lines tuated by spoil heaps, headframes and cated. The site has been repurposed to serve tectural characteristics as the main building. are inspired by Regionalism. The size of the pithead buildings. as a venue for various cultural projects. Decorative elements on the station’s rather windows and the near absence of decoration Mining is represented, once again, in understated facade are limited to a simple speak rather of Functionalism. Inside, the the fourth mosaic. Unlike the other frieze with a diamond motif below the cornice. main staircase is lit by a large Art-Deco stained- three, this tableau includes human 1. Miners’ Relief Society Health This pattern is echoed in ironwork created by glass window by master glassmaker Raphaël Centre figures: on one side, miners holding a © Y. Cussey / CALL the artist-blacksmith Edgar Brandt, who was Lardeur (1890-1967). It depicts a miner and his pick and lamp are leaving their terraced responsible for the French Embassy Pavilion family, as well as common elements of mining 2. Stained glass by Raphaël Lardeur homes and heading off to the mine, © Y. Cussey / CALL at the International Exhibition in 1925. The landscapes: a headframe, smoking chimneys while miners emerge from the pit at the station was extensively refurbished in 2016. and spoil heaps. Pas-de-Calais Habitat reno- 3 3. Georges Rousse exhibition in the other side of the mosaic. vated the building in 2015 to accommodate its former Banque de France building The ensemble is entirely dedicated to in 2017 Lens branch. © Pah de la CALL the industrial activity that dominated everyday life in the region at that time. 4. Lens train station 18 © S. Roynette / Lens-Liévin Tourisme 19 1 2 3 4

STATION DISTRICT REDEVELOPMENT 30 BUSINESS DISTRICT 31 N°29 RUE DE LA GARE 33 LYCÉE CONDORCET The first step in transforming the district invol- Extending from the forecourt of the refurbished The volumes and decorative details on the Building work for this school began in May ves developing Place de la gare and access to station and new bus station, a new business and facade of this typical Art Deco residence stand 1955 according to plans drawn up by Albert the Louvre-Lens museum. Large-scale impro- services district, bringing together offices, hou- out: two-storey bow window, bas-reliefs of sty- Feuillastre, a Modernist architect who vements will continue with the creation of sing, services and business is being developed lised rose motifs repeated on different floors, designed several educational establishments, public areas and the construction of residential, on the route leading to the Louvre-Lens as far as ironwork balustrades with geometric shapes. including Lycée Gambetta in Arras and Lycée office, business and hotel accommodation to the Bollaert roundabout. Pasteur in Hénin-Liétard. reinforce the mixed-use quality of the district. The first two buildings: Solaris (offices) and 32 N°66 RUE DE LA GARE Lycée Condorcet consists of six buildings to Prisme (39 residential units) were designed The facade of this 1950s building is inspired accommodate various classrooms, an office, 29 APOLLO by the Saison Menu architecture firm. Sirius, a by the Regionalist style, with a crow-stepped dining hall, medical facility, staff housing and When it opened in 1932 opposite Lens train third building (offices and services) has been gable and projecting brickwork. gymnasium. Its minimalist concrete architec- station, this Art Deco cinema and concert designed by the Paindavoine Parmentier firm. ture is typical of the period when function venue, with seating for 2,532, was one of the These development projects are intended prevailed. The concrete beam structure can largest in France, after the Rex and Paramount to enhance the local area’s attractiveness to be seen on each of the buildings, forming cinemas in Paris. It is a key site in redevelop- business. The goal is to offer a range of spaces vertical and horizontal lines that punctuate ment plans for the station district within the to suit the start-up market. the facades. framework of the ‘Lens centralité’ project. The Visible from Avenue du 4 septembre, two building was designed by Lille-based architec- bas-reliefs were created thanks to France’s ture firm, Saison Menu. The Art Deco facade, 1. CGI overview of the Apollo site ‘1%’ art-spending policy. The first is by Henri project which will be rebuilt exactly as it was, will © François Marcuz Lagriffoul, and the second by Léon-Georges preserve a historical account of this important Buisseret (Prix de Rome in 1945) and Marcel 2. Station district cultural site. © Jean-Christophe Hecquet / CALL Bodart (Prix de Rome 1946-1947).

3. Lycée Condorcet © Jean-Christophe Hecquet / CALL

4. Bas-relief by Bodart and Buisseret on Lycée Condorcet © Jean-Christophe Hecquet / CALL

5. Facade detail, 29 rue de la gare 5 20 © Jean-Christophe Hecquet / CALL 21 R DU LUXEMBOURG

R DES CYCLAMENS R DES BLEUETS R DUMONT

R DU POURQUOI PAS R ALBAN DUSOUICH R DES ORCHIDEES R ANGELA DAVIS AV DU GRAND CONDER BUFFON R JEAN MERMOZ

R GRINCOURT R DES JACINTHES R JEAN RACINE R DES TULIPES R DES JASMINS RTE DE LA BASSEE R JEAN SOUVRAZ R MAYEUX R HECTOR LALOUX R BRACQ R MOLIERE RTE DE LILLE

BOLLAERT BOLLAERT R DU CHEMIN VERT R DES MYOSOTIS RTE DE BETHUNE  R JUST EVRARD R DE LA PERCHE RTE DE LILLE  R EMILE COMBES R LA PEROUSE

R DE LONDRES R VICTOR HUGO R EMILE ZOLA R DES CYTISES R FRANCOIS MANSART R FELIX FAURE  R RENE LANOY Mineworkers’R CASIMIR BEUGNET  BOLLAERT Trade Union

Stade AV RAOUL BRIQUET R DE LA ROCHEFOUCAULD AV ELIE REUMAUX  CANTIN Bollaert-Delelis  R DU WETZ BOLLAERT AV DU 4 SEPTEMBRE R ARTHUR LAMENDIN R MARC VIVIEN FOE R MAURICE FRECHET 

R GUISLAIN DECROMBECQUE DUMORTIER BOLLAERT R LOUIS PASTEURSALENGRO  R ETIENNE FLAMENT Louvre-Lens R ANATOLE FRANCE

R VICTOR HUGO R TASSETTE PASTEUR   R DU 11 NOVEMBRE R EUGENE BAR R DU 14 JUILLET R MAURICE CARTON

  R DE L'HOSPICE   R PAUL BERT  BD EMILE BASLY  R BAYARD  R SERAPHIN CORDIER R LEO DELIBES R GEORGES BERNANOS R DU TEMPLE R DE L'INDEPENDANCE RES BURIDANT   R AUGUSTE GEVAERT TownPL JEAN JAURES  R WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART La Poste R URBAIN-CASSAN R FAIDHERBE R D'ATHENES R JEAN LETIENNE hall Saint-Léger  R DE PARIS  church R DU HAVREJ. JAURÈS R ARTHUR FAUQUEUR    R LEON GAMBETTA AV DE VARSOVIER DU 8 MAI 1945 R AUBER R SEVIGNE R DE LA PAIX

R DEVOCELLE R DE LA FONDERIE R DU MOULIN R DE LA GARE R SADI CARNOT R DES JARDINS R SAINT-AME  RÉPUBLIQUE AV ALFRED MAES R SAINT-THEODORE   R DE L'EGLISE R RENE COTY  Train station R VOLTAIRE R SAINT-VALENTIN R DES DEPORTES R DE LA GLISSOIRE R SAINT-ELIE R HENRI DARRAS GARE R ALAIN SAVARY R SAINT-ANTOINE R PIERRE LOTI

R OLIVIER DE MONTALENT RTE D'ARRAS R SAINT-ANATOLE R HENRI MAILLY

R ARTHUR FASSIAUX R ABEL PENTEL R EDOUARD MANET R SAINT-LOUIS R ROSA PARKS ALL MISTRAL R NOTRE DAME DE LORETTE R JULES FERRY ALL RENAN R AIME VANHOVE R THOMAS EDISON

PL SAINT-ALFRED Head of publishing Sarah Roynette Lens-Liévin Tourisme, 1. Place Jean Jaurès 16. N°1 Rue Elie Reumaux 29. Apollo Sylvain Robert, Chairman of the William Guérin, Mrs Frescal, Head Toll parking 2. À la ville de Limoges 17. N°34 and 36 Rue du 11 novembre 30. Business district ‘Communauté d’agglomération’ Teacher at the Lycée Condorcet and 3. Saint-Léger church 18. Grands bureaux of the Société 31. N°29 Rue de la gare Free parking of Lens-Liévin Georges Wiart. 4. Town hall des Mines de Lens 32. N°66 Rue de la gare Model Cover photos 5. Hôtel des postes 19. Millennium Church 33. Lycée Condorcet Information point Valérie De Reu, ‘Communauté d’agglo- View of Place Jean Jaurès 6. War memorial 20. Bollaert-Delelis Stadium mération’ of Lens-Liévin © Lens-Liévin Tourisme, Pedestrian path 7. Colisée 21. Louvre-Lens Graphics Railing at Lens station ©Jean-Michel 8. N°9 rue du Havre 22. N°2 boulevard Basly based on Des Signes studio Muchir André / Euralens 9. Welfare office 23. Collège Michelet Desclouds 2015 Printed by 10. Rue Lanoy, former DOT building 24. N° 83 boulevard Basly The different architectural periods: Acknowledgements La Centrale 11. N°31 and 33 Rue Lanoy 25. N° 124 boulevard Basly Reconstruction Aurélie David and Roselyne Van ISBN 979-10-95203-16-2 12. Tribunal de proximité 26. Miners’ Relief Society Société des Mines de Lens Rompu, Archives Municipales de 13. Mineworkers’ Trade Union 27. Former Banque de France Reconstruction after the Second Lens, Colette Dréan DRAC, Laurence 14. N°20 Rue Jean Souvraz building World War Pottier, Yann Cussey, Laura Descamps, 22 15. N°27 and 28 Rue des Wetz 28. Train station Recent projects 23 «ARCHITECTURE IS THE LEARNED GAME, CORRECT AND MAGNIFICENT, OF FORMS ASSEMBLED IN THE LIGHT.»

Le Corbusier, Architect, Artist, Decorator, Painter (1887 - 1965)

Exploring architecture in Lens The Land of Art and History For more information on the town centre department of Lens-Liévin city local heritage and the activities The Lens-Liévin Land of Art and council, led by the Architecture of the ‘Pays d’art et d’histoire’: History team has designed this and Heritage Coordinator, orga- Communauté d’agglomération de brochure to help you discover nises various initiatives to help Lens-Lievin 21 rue Marcel Sembat the architectural diversity of the the local population and visitors, BP 65 62302 Lens cedex town and explore a century of both young and old, to discover Tél. 03 21 790 790 architecture. the region’s rich architecture paysdartetdhistoire@ and heritage with the help of agglo-lenslievin.fr The « Ville et Pays d’art et professional guides. d’histoire » label is awarded Throughout the year, Lens-Liévin by the state, represented by the In the surrounding area, Tourisme offers a variety of Prefect of the region. It recognises Beauvais, Boulogne-sur-Mer, events focusing on Art Deco, regions, municipalities or groups Calais, , Chantilly, Laon, mining heritage and First World of municipalities which are aware Lille, Noyon, Roubaix, Saint- War sites to help you explore the of the challenges of encouraging Quentin, Soissons et Tourcoing region. local populations to take an active bénéficient de l’appellation interest in their architecture and Ville d’art et d’histoire ; Amiens Further info & bookings: heritage, and are committed to Métropole, Pays de Saint-Omer www.tourisme-lenslievin.fr circulating information, cultural et De Senlis à Ermenonville [email protected] mediation and promotional bénéficient de l’appellation Pays Tél. 03 21 67 66 66 activities. d’art et d’histoire.

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