Cultural & Arts Centre - Pointe-à-Pitre

Located in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, the Centre des Arts et de la Culture (CAC) is undergoing a comprehensive rehabilitation project led by CAP EXCELLENCE, with SEMSAMAR acting as project management assistant.

Originally designed in 1978 by architect Jean Le Couteur, the building is a landmark of modern architecture and a key cultural asset in Guadeloupe. The project aims to rehabilitate this existing cultural facility while addressing contemporary challenges, including building compliance, technical performance, user experience and evolving cultural uses.

The design is based on a reuse and transformation approach, working with both the original structure and an unfinished extension to ensure structural reinforcement, technical upgrades and spatial reconfiguration.

The project includes:

• internal restructuring of volumes
• improved circulation flows
• façade redesign and unification
• adaptation to tropical climate conditions

Architecture and identity

The architectural concept focuses on unifying the different construction phases while defining a new identity aligned with Pointe-à-Pitre’s urban landscape.

A global façade treatment harmonises the existing structures, while perforated aluminium sun-shading systems provide climate-responsive protection and environmental performance. The building becomes a recognisable urban landmark, visible both day and night.

A hybrid cultural facility

The Centre is designed as a flexible and hybrid cultural venue, accommodating a wide range of uses:

• main auditorium (1,150+ seats)
• modular performance space
• exhibition areas
• artists’ studios
• training and educational spaces
• digital arts and media areas

The main hall is conceived as an indoor public plaza, fostering interaction between users, artists and visitors.

Uses and spatial transformation

The project addresses current challenges in cultural facilities:

• diversification of uses
• user mix and accessibility
• integration of creation, performance and training
• inclusion of complementary economic activities (food, retail, exhibitions)

It contributes to a broader urban and cultural regeneration strategy, restoring the CAC’s central role within Pointe-à-Pitre.

A project rooted in its local context

The design integrates the site’s recent history, including its artistic occupation, with selected works potentially preserved or enhanced.

At site level, a landscaped pedestrian park structures the outdoor spaces, enhances user experience and supports environmental strategies such as rainwater infiltration.

Kardham expertise

Kardham delivers this project through its integrated expertise in:

• architecture
• engineering
• cultural facility design
• transformation of existing buildings

This multidisciplinary approach ensures a comprehensive response to the technical, functional and cultural complexity of the project.