The reopening of Nancy Thermal in 2023 marked a significant milestone in the architectural reinvention of historic sites. The project was initially envisioned by Louis Lanternier in the early 20th century but remained incomplete for over a century. Architect Anne Démians has reinterpreted the complex, integrating contemporary interventions while preserving the essence of its neoclassical origins. This transformation reflects a nuanced approach to urban restoration, where modernity and history coalesce rather than compete. Démians’ work on the project is also documented in her new book, Les Bains de Nanc, which delves into the architectural narrative through essays and photography by Cyrille Weiner and Laurent Champoussin.
Nancy Thermal Technical Information
- Renovation Architect1-8: Anne Démians
- Original Architect: Louis Lanternier (1909)
- Location: Nancy, France
- Area: 20,000 m2 | 215,280 Sq. Ft.
- Renovations Years: 2016 – 2023
- Photographs: © Cyrille Weiner, © Laurent Champoussin
I decided to use a contemporary style to juxtapose with the historic façade to emphasize its historical significance. More than 100 years have passed since it was built. From the entrance dome, I added a symmetrical volume of the same size, without any imitation, since this contemporary element is in clear contrast to the historic façade.
– Anne Démians 9
Nancy Thermal Photographs
Architectural Intent and Spatial Qualities
Démians’ design challenges the conventional preservationist approach by introducing a stark, contemporary extension that juxtaposes yet harmonizes with Lanternier’s existing structure. The result is an architectural dialogue that highlights the evolving narrative of public spaces and their adaptation to contemporary needs.
At the heart of the project is an interplay between symmetry and contrast. The historic colonnade, white and neoclassical, is counterbalanced by a black, contemporary volume, deliberately non-imitative. Rather than attempting to replicate Lanternier’s work, Démians opts for a clear distinction of architectural language, creating a tension that enhances the identity of both elements.
The central dome, originally constructed in 1909, remains the focal point of the composition. Around it, Démians organizes the program into distinct functional zones: the Thermal Spa, Aquasport complex, medical treatment facilities, and a hotel wing. These areas, while serving diverse functions, maintain a coherent spatial organization, prioritizing fluid circulation and a seamless integration with the adjacent Parc Sainte-Marie. The deliberate permeability of the design blurs the boundaries between the built environment and nature, reinforcing the project’s urban contextualization.
Materiality and Light
Material selection plays a crucial role in reinforcing the project’s duality of past and present. The original stone concrete of Lanternier’s baths is restored to highlight its patina, while modern interventions employ dark metal, glass, and composite materials, creating a visual counterpoint. These choices not only emphasize contrast but also serve functional purposes—offering thermal efficiency, structural lightness, and resilience in a humid environment.
Light is a defining element in this composition. The perforated sunshades of the contemporary extension introduce a dynamic play of light and shadow, echoing the classical rhythm of the colonnade. Inside, translucent panels and clerestory glazing diffuse daylight into the treatment areas, mitigating harsh contrasts and creating a soothing atmosphere reminiscent of historic thermal baths.
Urban and Environmental Integration
Beyond its architectural ambitions, Nancy Thermal operates as an urban connector, reinvigorating its surroundings by restoring accessibility and visual continuity with the city. The removal of previous obstructive extensions reestablishes historical sightlines, reinforcing the bath’s civic presence.
Sustainability is embedded within the project’s operational framework. The natural thermal spring—a rare asset within an urban center—is harnessed for both heating and water supply, significantly reducing the facility’s reliance on external resources. Additionally, connection to Nancy’s renewable energy grid, combined with advanced water filtration and heat recovery systems, optimizes energy efficiency. These strategies underscore a broader shift in contemporary architecture—where restoration is not merely about preserving aesthetics but also about redefining functionality for a climate-conscious future.
A Model for Contemporary Heritage Interventions
Nancy Thermal serves as a compelling case study in the evolution of heritage architecture. Démians’ intervention demonstrates that preservation does not necessitate stasis; rather, it can embrace transformation as a means of extending a building’s relevance. Through a measured juxtaposition of old and new, a thoughtful engagement with materiality, and a commitment to environmental performance, the project challenges preconceived notions of restoration and urban reintegration.
As contemporary architects navigate the complexities of historical sites, Nancy Thermal offers a blueprint for a more dynamic and forward-thinking approach—one where architecture is not just about looking back, but about redefining the future of cultural landmarks.
Nancy Thermal Plans
Nancy Thermal Image Gallery
About Anne Démians
Anne Démians is a French architect known for her innovative approach to contemporary architecture, balancing modernity with historical and environmental sensitivity. As the founder of Architectures Anne Démians, she has led projects that seamlessly integrate cutting-edge design with urban and cultural contexts. Her work on Nancy Thermal exemplifies her expertise in adaptive reuse, blending heritage preservation with bold, sustainable interventions. A professor and advocate for forward-thinking architecture, Démians continues to shape the discourse on the evolution of public spaces in the 21st century.
Credits and Additional Notes
- Collaborating Architects: Chabanne Architecture (Aquatic Design)
- Heritage Consultant: Pierre-Antoine Gatier (Chief Architect of Historic Monuments)
- Construction Period:
- Studies: 2016-2018
- Construction: 2020-2023
- Total Area: ~20,000 m²
- Building Typology: Thermal Bath Complex, Public Facility
- Client: Métropole du Grand Nancy
- Main Contractor: Bouygues Bâtiment Nord-Est
- Structural Engineers: Chabanne Architecte & Ingénierie
- Démians, Anne. Les Bains de Nancy. Materia Nebulae, 2024.
