thomas wagner
Imbued with the spirit of Provence, my eponymous project "Velié" takes root in the Marseille word for "sail." As a resonant homage to the bravery of our seafaring ancestors, it proudly stands, sculpting the contours of a dazzling future. During my dive into the heart of Fort Balaguier, a historic edifice, the silent cannons sang a maritime elegy, a captivating ode to our history sealed by the ebb and flow of the waves. My vision takes shape: to erect a sanctuary of exchange and exploration dedicated to the ocean, weaving a tapestry of experiences, from sea voyages to narratives of a vibrant local history.
The Velié project aims to celebrate the maritime heritage of the region by creating a dynamic and educational space. Drawing upon the history of Fort Balaguier and exploring various facets of the sea, the project offers a variety of experiences, ranging from navigation to gastronomic tasting to exhibition spaces. The discovery center would emphasize learning about navigation while captivating the region's history. Floating rooms, the kiosk, and simulation spaces would contribute to visitors' immersion. The project aims to bridge the maritime past with future aspirations, while providing a space for residents and visitors to connect, akin to other iconic projects around the world.
At the heart of the project emerges the epicenter of my vision: a floating platform designed to evoke the essence of life at sea, harmoniously intertwined with a pontoon encircling the fort like a flamboyant weathervane. This central hub, an arrow pointing towards the horizon, houses a constellation of eight sumptuous rooms, each 25 m², offering a total immersion in the enchanting illusion of the Mediterranean Sea. This space has been carefully crafted to instill autonomy and self-sufficiency that defies the tides of time.
The main floating space layout reveals itself like true blank canvases, imbued with boundless modularity, ready to metamorphose according to the desires of each guest. Designed to envelop visitors in an authentically maritime experience, these rooms create an intimate theater amidst the majestic Toulon harbor. Designed to accommodate the simple aspirations of a couple, they unveil a backdrop of perpetual change, where each sunrise and sunset dances tête-à-tête with the infinite horizon of the sea.