A Civic Renewal Through Light

In line with Atelier dada’s vision to reconnect residents with their town center and to highlight key urban focal points, a lighting concept was developed for the town hall of Goussainville. The project aimed to reinforce French civic symbols while requalifying the spaces surrounding the building, often dominated by parked cars, into an open and inviting plaza for meeting, exchange and pause.

Four distinct lighting scenarios were conceived for the town hall façade. The first establishes a calm and elegant nocturnal presence. The second introduces a brief civic gesture: once every hour, the façade is illuminated in the colors of the French flag for one minute. The third scenario is a softened version of the first, designed for the later hours of the evening. The fourth adopts an almost symbolic restraint, leaving only the civic sash visible, subtly illuminated by residual public lighting and glowing quietly through the night.

Beyond the building itself, the project reimagined the public square as an urban living room. The existing border sculpture was replaced by a large bench-planter, softly illuminated to provide both seating and protection for the roundabout. This intervention opened the space, creating a generous and welcoming forecourt in front of the town hall.

At the center of the roundabout, the existing fountain was replaced by a statue of Marianne, bow in hand, surrounded by illuminated water jets flowing continuously, day and night. Conceived as a symbol of renewal and prosperity, the fountain was designed to celebrate the civic spirit with dignity and presence.

Although the project was awarded second prize, it was never realized. More than fifteen years later, the town hall still awaits a lighting design capable of reflecting its civic role and symbolic importance. This vision remains, carried by light, memory and intention.