The first stage of our research was to question the form and its urban context, so that we could define an ensemble both maximising the plot and addressing the specific constraints of both of the project’s components.

From the outside, the building is a compact parallelepiped whose only irregularity is the large opening in the south facade, leading to the more private entity of the CSL beyond.  
The view/non-view and open/closed constraints of each of the project’s components are optimised by the interplay of overlapping volumes. The long, uniform rectangle of the SPIP reinforces the urban front on the avenue. Its quasi-mono-orientated volume prevents any aural or visual communication with the minimum-security prison. The volume of the SPIP forms a solid, natural frontier enabling the CSL to function in complete security in the middle of the block and shielding it from outside view.

The CSL is set further back, along rue des Acacias. Its entrance is marked by the large overhang, shielding the neutral zone from view. The CSL’s main entrance and logistic and administrative zones give onto a secure and lit exterior volume, whereas the inmates’ zone gives onto the interiorised heart of the block.

Client: Ministry of Justice / Cost: € 9.5M excl. VAT / Surface: 4400 m² / Schedule: 2011 – 2019 / Structure: Batiserf Ingénierie / M.E.P.: Nicolas Ingénierie / Surveyor: Michel Forgue / HEQ: Franck Boutté