The Ninkasi factories, designed by LFA (Looking for Architecture), stand at the western entrance to Tarare, France. This redevelopment project aimed to transform industrial and logistics sites within the urban fabric, revitalizing a traditionally marginal suburban area. By creating a site accessible to soft mobility and integrated into the urban environment, the project sought to support the emergence of a new productive city.
Architectural Composition
Comprising a main production building and two aging cellars, the Ninkasi factories are strategically set back from the road to preserve views of the viaduct and the town’s entrance. The use of red mass-tinted concrete as a finishing coat ties all buildings together, drawing inspiration from the nearby viaduct and the stones of the Turdine Valley.
Exterior Design
The main building’s outer shell features a combination of red and white concrete, creating visual interest and harmony. In certain areas, such as the process section, anodized or lacquered aluminum cladding reflects the surrounding landscape’s colors, lights, and shadows. Galvanized steel metalwork complements the design, echoing the architecture of the three large halls. The aging cellars, clad in red concrete, stand as monolithic structures amidst the greenery.
Interior Aesthetics
Deliberately unfinished interiors highlight the building’s materiality, embracing a sense of constructive truth. Grey quartz concrete floors and unfinished walls characterize the production areas, with exposed steel machinery adding an industrial aesthetic. In contrast, office spaces feature birch plywood and textured acoustic coverings, creating warm and inviting environments reminiscent of whiskey aging cellars.
Conclusion: Harmonizing Tradition and Innovation
The Ninkasi factories in Tarare exemplify the harmonious integration of industrial architecture into the urban landscape. Through thoughtful design choices and material selection, the project not only revitalizes the surrounding area but also celebrates the region’s cultural heritage. As a beacon of urban renewal, the Ninkasi factories symbolize the intersection of tradition and innovation in contemporary architecture.
