In the heart of the 19th arrondissement of Paris, a previously isolated site enclosed by apartment buildings and towers has been transformed by Philippe Madec (apm) & associés. Originally the 1970s Jean Quarré hospitality school, the building now hosts a vibrant media library alongside an inclusive Refugee House. This renovation brings high cultural and social significance by uniquely combining neighborhood enrichment with dedicated support for exiled individuals integrating into Parisian life. The media library notably includes a communication center for the deaf—one of only four such facilities in Paris—while the Refugee House serves as a comprehensive hub supporting refugees’ social integration through cultural exchange and community connection.
Preservation and reuse of existing structures
The renovation placed significant emphasis on retaining and rediscovering the original building structure. The former hospitality school's prefabricated elements—reinforced concrete columns, beams, floors, and facade panels—underwent careful cleaning and asbestos removal. Selective demolition strategically preserved the building’s integrity, with dismantled concrete elements stored onsite for later reuse. The careful approach restored the building’s structural clarity, significantly enhancing the quality of exposed concrete surfaces. As a result, the refurbished space now offers ideal functional areas for the media library and welcoming Refugee House, highlighting a sustainable approach through material conservation and reuse.
Natural light and passive ventilation strategies
The redesigned, exposed concrete structure allows greater penetration of natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and energy consumption. The building’s thermal mass provides natural temperature regulation, contributing positively to indoor climate stability. Strategically placed double-height interior voids and an air well connected to the internal patio garden significantly enhance natural air circulation, ensuring hygienic ventilation and improving overall indoor air quality. These features create comfortable, naturally illuminated spaces that align seamlessly with the project's broader environmental goals.
Sustainable link through bio-based materials
Central to the architectural intervention is the new addition connecting the two main functions of the facility—the square media library and the elongated Refugee House. Termed "the link," this vertical volume is sustainably constructed using renewable and locally sourced materials, specifically prefabricated poured earth walls and timber framing. The poured-earth construction provides thermal inertia and humidity regulation without additional energy inputs, while the exterior wooden mantilla functions effectively as a protective sunshade, reducing solar heat gain.
Enhancing biodiversity and urban comfort
The project significantly reverses soil sealing, transforming approximately 70 percent of the previously impermeable surface into permeable, landscaped areas. New green spaces flourish throughout the site, including the media library's central patio, the forecourt, shaded gardens, a shared community garden, and the terrace adjacent to the Refugee House. This comprehensive approach combats the urban heat island effect by maximizing vegetated areas, implementing reflective ground coverings like recycled concrete slabs and stabilized sand, and introducing a shallow reflective pool. These landscape interventions are meant to enhance local biodiversity, contribute to stormwater management, and improve microclimatic conditions.
