The layout of the whole is generous but, as all the buildings are designed on stilts, the agora can lack the intimacy and spatial play that the solids create. Moreover, this parti is somewhat abusive and determines the architecture of all the buildings. The result is an austerity and a certain rigidity.
The search for unity exceeds that of the ancient classical cities and tends towards monotony. The City Hall is little identified.
This coldness is found in the architectural treatment. The vocabulary is limited and known. The Council Chamber is without character and resembles a school auditorium.
In the City Hall plan, this competitor expressed the best understanding of the administrative functions. The arrangement of services on a single floor results in an exceptional solution. The structural design offers a great deal of flexibility. We are concerned, however, that a lack of understanding may lead to a future temptation to use the spaces defined by the pilings.
(From jury report)
(Unofficial automated translation)
