The town council of Audierne has initiated a project to landscape a roundabout that reflects the town’s DNA. This article outlines the design and construction phases of the project, highlighting the importance of selecting materials suited to the site’s environment — in this case, activated and stabilised corten steel. Through laser-cut detailing and integrated lighting, the installation achieves a strong visual impact both by day and by night, evoking the local identity.

This inspiration showcases the importance of incorporating environmental and site-specific characteristics into the design of a roundabout.

Custom Landscaping of a Roundabout

Design & Manufacturing

The Town Council of Audierne (29) contacted us to support a landscape development project for a roundabout. The aim was to transform the existing layout and create a distinctive identity in this prominent traffic area.
We provided guidance throughout the project to design a space that truly reflects the town’s character.

Moreover, the marine air environment was a critical factor to consider in ensuring a durable result, as the roundabout runs alongside the Goyen river, near the estuary.

CLIENT

TOWN COUNCIL OF AUDIERNE

LOCATION

AUDIERNE, FRANCE

MATERIAL

ACTIVATED AND STABILISED CORTEN STEEL

01.

DEVELOP

a public space

02.

CREATE

a unique identity

03.

GREEN

a mineral surface

How to design and develop a roundabout?

1. Site analysis

Studying the site is crucial to assess the terrain and its surroundings. Key elements to identify include buildings and infrastructure, green spaces, trees, monuments, landmarks, and elements of local culture.

2. Theme identification

The design of the roundabout can be inspired by a theme that reflects the area’s culture and identity. This may relate to the local economy, social heritage, history, or natural environment.

3. Preliminary design

Initial design should integrate the decorative vision while taking into account road traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists. It must also involve the selection of suitable materials, lighting, sculptures and other decorative elements.

4. Approval and funding

Approval from local authorities and appropriate funding are essential before work begins. The project must comply with road safety standards and local construction regulations.

5. Construction and maintenance

The decorative structures must be installed by qualified professionals. Regular maintenance is essential to preserve the roundabout’s visual appeal over time.
Découpe laser acier corten stabilisé

The Audierne roundabout project: a combination of expertise, sustainability, and local identity

To better understand the design choices, it is essential to consider the context of Audierne, a charming coastal town in the Finistère region of Brittany. Bordered by the Iroise Sea and the Goyen river, the town offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is well known for its picturesque fishing harbour, where local fishermen land fresh catch daily.

Audierne also boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage. Its narrow streets are lined with traditional stone houses and artisan shops selling local products like cider, cheese, and Breton galettes.

Materials, Products and Expertise

The development consists of four open-bottom cylindrical planters. These containers form the structural basis of the composition, creating visual volume and hierarchy.

The planters are made from sandblasted, activated, and stabilised corten steel, a material particularly well suited to marine environments. Since corten is already oxidised, it is resistant to further degradation, ensuring long-term durability and requiring little to no maintenance.

But corten’s benefits go beyond durability. Its warm ochre tones blend naturally with the existing architectural landscape, making it the ideal material for Audierne, a town rich in cultural and historical texture. Corten also provides a strong visual base for floral and planted compositions, enhancing the contrast and depth of the vegetation.

Each planter features laser-cut motifs that create a striking effect during both day and night, thanks to internal LED lighting. The motifs represent elements tied to the identity of Audierne. To simplify planting, open-bottom containers were inserted inside the corten planters, allowing for direct soil planting, which is more sustainable and less maintenance-intensive than traditional potted plants.

Aménagement de rond point bacs sans fond corten sablé activé ATECH

Interested in this project?

Atech is the leading French specialist in urban greening furniture. We support your public space development initiatives through a comprehensive product offer and tailored guidance at every stage of your project.

Select solutions tailored to your space, supported by expert advice

Thanks to the guidance of our experts throughout the project, this roundabout was transformed into a durable space that embodies the local DNA of the town in both form and function.

If you’d like to find out more, we invite you to explore our inspirations and discover the full scope of our know-how and completed projects. With over 30 years of experience in public space planning, Atech supports your urban greening and landscaping projects from ideation to completion.

Let’s work together to find the solutions that suit your project best.

We also integrate today’s environmental challenges into our processes. Atech is committed to offering 100% French-made greening solutions, with the lowest possible carbon impact.

Products

Cylindric planter – Patine

1.122,004.056,00 AT
Discover Patine, the cylindric planter. Available in painted steel or corten steel, it is the solution to green your urban space.
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Straight edge – Untreated corten steel – 3 ML

49,68145,73 AT
Quick and easy to install, our kerbs are available in different heights.
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Round bottomless planter

225,601.480,80 AT
Our bottomless, round, panelled planters come in a range of sizes and materials for stylish, long-lasting layouts.
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