In this, the success of this project resides in how to leverage and amplify this exceptional condition. In response to «Why cross this parcel?» We must construct an answer which can be adopted by the community. This response can only be found within the site programming and the definition of these spaces. The challenge lies more within the definition of voids rather than volumes. Once these are in place, we have sought to establish permanencies, to activate spaces, and to polarize their uses.

Comprised of free, affordable, social, and student housing, schools, offices, a café, etc. The program is divided into different blocks dotting the parcel. The definition of each of these spaces is designed to meet programmatic requirements and the association of a specific characteristic to each place, in volumetric (size, proportions) and atmospheric terms (light, shadow, materiality, perception). The result is a hybrid approach that establishes almost spontaneously the identity of these places. The whole forms a completely new pedestrian area, with different themed gardens, which communicate with the architecture. The idea is to create a vast and unitary public space, which crosses through the whole site. This connects the different buildings with one another, and connects the land with its environment. The spatial organization then follows suit differently based on a system of gardens, addressing different styles of users, by providing different services.

Client: Kaufman & Broad / Cost: € 41.2M excl. VAT / Surface: 33383 m² / Schedule: 2013 – 2018 / Team: Abinal & Ropars (Architects of Lot 2), Fernandez & Serres (Architects of Lot 6), BETAP et SERBA (Structure), ALBDO (M.E.P.), Michel Forgue (Surveyor), Franck Boutté (HEQ), Base (Landscaper), Burgeap and Safege (Environmental Engineering)

Photo credits : Cyrille Weiner, Charly Broyez, Julien Lanoo and Stéphane Chalmeau