This welcoming center is part of the metamorphosis of the Ruinart champagne house in Reims. Sou Fujimoto’s design draws inspiration from the sparkling bubbles of champagne. Built with stone and wood, the pavilion presents gentle curves in the walls and the asymmetrical roof, which are joined to a glass facade that goes from translucent at the base to opaque higher up. Dedicated to the firm’s founder, Nicolas Ruinart, it engages in dialogue with the standing historical buildings. The interiors are designed by Gwenaël Nicolas, and the surrounding garden by Christophe Gautrand.

Besides using local materials, the building has a green roof and a system for collecting rainwater, and it produces 80% of the energy it needs, thanks to solar panels and geothermics.