Ecole 42 is a newis a private French computer programming school funded by Xavier Niel

Located in the heart of Paris (in the 17tharrondissement).Its innovative approach challenges the traditional educational system by providing training that is ‘free, open and accessible to all’ and is based around Peer 2 Peer learning.

In&Editarchitecture were commissionedto imagine create an original concept foran environment which would support the needs of its unique pedagogical approach.

The site, a former government building built in the 1960swith a space of over 4200sqm was largely preserved with no change to the existing structure. Internally, the architecture responds to the need for collaborative learning spaces by providing places for interaction of various scales and atmospheres. Over four levels, the students have access to workstations configured to optimize collaboration whilea series of purpose built pods offer a sense of enclosure depending on project needs.

The treatment of the façade was pivotal in creating a strong identity and street presence. The addition of aperforated mesh ‘skin’ creates the impression of a continuous volume from the exterior whilst improving the building’s thermal performance. Based on the idea that digital technology have destroyed any remaining regularity IN&EDIT has created interior furnitures far from classic geometry

Each piece has been designed and plugged in different spaces following needs and functions to be able to create a strong identity for 42 Concept.