The physical integration of the project in the neighbourhood is conceived through the composition of the volumes and their relationship to the site, on a 10 170 m2 lot sloping towards the Ella Maillart street and directly next to the Ampere park, from which we have created a green extension to slide within two hollowed volumes. These two courtyards are connected together and become a green ramp that conciliates the difference in level between Alexandra David-Neel and Ella Maillart street and furthermore creates a physical link between the green elements in the neighbourhood.

It is through a play between different dualities that we have developed the project, sometimes literally, sometimes figuratively, in a logic of both contrast and complementarity. This intent is made clear looking at the two built volumes: one that is black, nightly and holder of architecture and its antipode, white, symbol of nature, daylight and vegetation. Both however mesh together in expression, as their façades were both brought up by patterns synthesizing seven predominant ethnic cultures in Massy; geometric on the black volume, and organic on the white one. The latter, with a certain stubbornness to keep the architecture simple, and visually concise.

Silkscreen printing turned out to be the ideal solution to realize the intended patterns on the glazed curtain wall façade. Black, because of its higher reflective quality, was used on the volume near the park, as a clear marker in the neighbourhood and to signal the main entrance. Up close, the serigraphic glass diffuses light and protects against harsh sunlight, and the pattern seen is anonymous; it is only when stepping back that we can start to recognize the particular patterns of the façade. These form a collage that allow to identify programme – the different office spaces – while the presence of void in the façade, the missing pattern and liaison, expresses all common exterior spaces.

Finally, in the courtyards, we can find vegetation and a façade treatment that generate a more intimate scale, with large glazed openings to frame the workspaces inside the buildings.

Client: Tour Eiffel Asset management / Cost: € 65M excl. VAT / Surface: 36500 m² / Schedule: 2012 – 2018 / Structure: Terrell  / M.E.P.: LASI