Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée: A Sustainable Fusion of Heritage and Innovation Through Ultra-High-Performance Concrete

Mouhcine Benaicha ()
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Mouhcine Benaicha: Structure and Materials Laboratory, National School of Architecture, Rabat 10000, Morocco

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 9, 1-16

Abstract: The Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée (MuCEM) in Marseille represents a paradigm shift in sustainable architecture, integrating heritage conservation with cutting-edge material technology. Designed by Rudy Ricciotti, the museum utilizes Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) to optimize structural efficiency, environmental resilience, and architectural aesthetics. This study highlights how UHPC contributes to reducing resource consumption and enhancing durability, in line with global sustainability goals. MuCEM’s lattice facade, modular supports, and pedestrian bridge showcase innovative engineering solutions that extend the building’s lifespan while ensuring seismic resilience and energy efficiency. Furthermore, UHPC’s longevity reduces maintenance requirements, contributing to lower life cycle costs and carbon footprint. The findings underscore how advanced materials and sustainable design principles can redefine the role of cultural landmarks in the built environment.

Keywords: MuCEM; ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC); lattice facade; modular supports; seismic resilience; heritage integration; structural engineering; contemporary architecture (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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