The project is part of the policy of modernization of the management of the structures of the Petite Seine. The public company, VNF, Voies Navigables de France, protects and maintains tracks and structures sometimes unique in the world that are components of the tourist attractiveness of our regions while being part of a European dimension, the French river system being naturally connected to those of our European neighbors. In the midst of a modernization campaign for its works, VNF is developing a philosophy of tele-driving at a distance from these locks. Thus, the project allows tele-remote control of 7 locks and 4 dams sweeping the territory of the municipality of Marolles to the municipality of Beaulieu. The architectural proposal is articulated around 2 axes: On the one hand the renovation of an old building existing and property of VNF, and on the other hand the creation of a new building sheltering the future control room.
The existing building undergoing a major restructuring to incorporate a new vertical circulation scheme allowing the relationship between the different elements of the program as well as the management of half levels allowing access to the new building via a polycarbonate footbridge . The common premises (cloakroom-kitchen-meeting room-relaxation room-offices agents), as well as offices are located in the renovated building, while the control room / technical premises / offices are managed in the new part. The new building crystallizes around the meeting of 2 parallelepipedal volumes, one taking up the volumetry of the existing one and based on a perfect square, the other being fixed on the axis of the main circulation and intended to shelter the spaces servants such as the technical room, the office of crisis management.etc ... Installing the control room on a belvedere above the canal allows the lock keepers to find a typology specific to their trades and their working environments. A circular desk and ergonomically study to integrate the various control equipment (touch screen-video-intercom-interface HMI management interface.) And is located in the center of the control room.
