Perret Square

It’s only fitting that one of Le Havre’s main squares is named after the brilliant man who led the city’s post-war reconstruction.

Born in Belgium in 1874, architect Auguste Perret became a pioneer of reinforced concrete, a material that transformed construction in the 20th century.

With incredible precision and vision, he took on the design of concrete buildings, something that had previously been left to engineers. He brought in subtle colour tones and bold new shapes, creating a fresh, avant-garde style distinct from traditional architecture. At the time, Le Havre was one of the most modern cities in France, but not everyone was convinced. Many architects and historians criticised Perret’s work for straying too far from the past. It would take years for his vision to be recognised as a masterpiece.

Today, Le Havre is considered the most successful example of post-war urban reconstruction, and Auguste Perret is celebrated as a pioneer of modern architecture. His approach was not only practical and economical, but also far ahead of its time. He later went on to design major buildings across France, the UK, Turkey, and Algeria, securing his legacy as one of the most influential architects of the 20th century.