# Contemporary Waterfront Community Hubs The MECA is a Cultural Hub in Bordeaux By Ell Smith | Published 2019-08-05 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/community-hub References: [wallpaper](https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/meca-bordeaux-bjarke-ingels-group-freaks-architects-france) & [bordeaux-euratlantique.fr](https://www.bordeaux-euratlantique.fr/zone-de-projet/la-meca/) A stunning [community hub](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spark-of-hudson) has been unveiled on the water front of Bordeaux. This center was developed by the creative minds at BIG ([Bjarke Ingels Group](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/museum-for-papirkunst)) and the Paris-based agency, Freaks. The building's architectural facade is as eclectic as the culture it houses inside, as this hub serves as a contemporary space for [live theater, art and literature](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorado-college-honnen-arts-hub). The building features a large ramp which people can walk across to access views of the river, making for a meeting place that continues to serve a purpose even in the venue's off hours. According to a partner at BIG, Jakob Sand, this building "‘creates public space and is a new gift to the city of Bordeaux." Image Credit: Laurian Ghinitoiu ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.0/10 - Popularity: 19% | Activity: 3% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Waterfront Community Hubs:** The trend of developing community hubs in waterfront areas provides an opportunity for architects and developers to create innovative designs combining art, literature, and culture with stunning views of the water. - **Eclectic Architecture Facades:** The trend of eclectic architectural facades in community hubs presents an opportunity for artists and designers to create unique and bold structures that reflect the culture and purpose of the space. - **Multi-purpose Meeting Places:** The trend of creating versatile meeting places, like the large ramp in the MECA center in Bordeaux, provides an opportunity for architects to design spaces that can serve dual purposes and function as public spaces outside of normal operating hours. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** The development of waterfront community hubs requires architects to create innovative designs that combine aesthetic appeal with functionality and purpose. - **Art and Culture:** The incorporation of art, literature, and theater into community hubs like the MECA center in Bordeaux provides opportunities for cultural organizations to expand their reach and engage with larger audiences. - **City Planning and Development:** The trend of developing contemporary waterfront community hubs presents opportunities for city planners and developers to revitalize underutilized areas and create public spaces that showcase the city's unique character. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mass-Timber Transport Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marengo-multimodal-transport-hub.md) - [Adaptive Community Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spaced-agency.md) - [Boat-Inspired Community Center](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/esbjerg-maritime-center.md) - [Harbor Opera Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hamburg-state-opera.md) - [Playful Futuristic Work Campuses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/max-zone.md) - [Water Flow-Inspired Art Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nanhai-arts-center.md) - [Contemporary Culture Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tselinny-center.md) - [Arched Concrete Community Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centro-de-colaboracin-arquitectnica.md) - [Pier-Side Dynamic Office Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/big-hq.md)