More info: The reconstruction of Le Havre lasted almost 20 years, after 82% of the city was destroyed in september, 1944. Only a handful of historic buildings in the city centre survived the devastation.
The great architect of the reconstruction was Auguste Perret whose favourite material was reinforced concrete. In addition to the American-style layout of the city, with its wide avenues the concrete buildings have various shades and textures: brushed, rough, grey and pinkish (a shade obtained by adding powdered Vosges sandstone to the concrete)
In the heart of downtown Le Havre, in the extension of the Bassin du Commerce, there are 2 volcano-shaped buildings, all in white, which contrast with the rigorous Perret architecture. They are the work of the brilliant architect Oscar Niemeyer, responsible for Brazil’s new capital, Brasilia. Le Volcan not only houses a theatre, but also, since 2015, a magnificent library.