Béthune : Town hall

In 1918, an air attack ravaged the city center, notably the Saint-Vaast church and the town hall. The belfry built in 1388 survived the fire. The restoration work began on July 8, 1920, marking the start of a debate on the need for an isolated belfry or an integrated town hall at the foot of the tower, like what exists in Bergues. A competition was organized, and Jacques Alleman won this competition. In 1924, he was responsible for rebuilding the area of the Town Hall, whose work ended in 1928. The building was designed in reinforced concrete based on a white stone base which formed the ground floor with an opening in the semicircle. The facade overlooking the square is dominated by a 45 -meter gable. The plane is symmetrical, centered on the staircase of honor, and benefits from natural lighting from a well of light surmounted by a dome -shaped canopy. The ironwork, canopies and lighting elements reflect Art Deco style.