COMMUNICATING WITH THE CITY THROUGH A DYNAMIC FACADE
In a neighbourhood of Paris, where popular tradition and a new form of artistic-cultural vitality merge together, a project that combines recollections of the past with a new architectural identity has been constructed with a peculiar attention to the participative and solidarity aspects.
Built in the Aligre neighbourhood in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, the Maison des Ensembles caters for Paris City Council's plans to provide local inhabitants with a public building for associations and social, cultural and sports purposes. The project is constructed over two buildings, one dating back to the 17th century that is partly subject to building constraints. The two constructions form an L-shaped plan in which the older building extends towards Rue d'Aligre, while the other is located at the rear of the building lot closing off the perspective towards the courtyard. The 17th- century building has been modernised in accordance with its original architectural features, restoring its original structures and basic materials, also maintaining the way certain key details are handled. The ground floor entrance hall crosses the building to create continuity between the entrance courtyard and sports field, thereby unifying the entire complex. The rooms catering for art activities, offices and meeting rooms for associations, as well as a fully-equipped dance hall on the third floor are all located on the upper floors.
The main stairway, lift, utilities each floor, and a hall for each of the two buildings, are all located in a hinge-structure set between the two main constructions. A glass facade running up the entire stairway marks the overall development of the building and offers a view towards the sports ground and, in the foreground, the wall of vegetation separating it from surrounding housing.
The project for the building at the rear of the courtyard is the most striking feature, designed in a very cutting-edge style. The constraint concerning the limited depth of the original structure, which prevented the various halls and corridors from coexisting, was also complied with in the construction of a system of external corridors that project over the facade.
A second serigraphed facade running right across the entire main facade, except for the ground floor, creates a translucent filter between the interior structures and road. The serigraph brings together the translucent parts and certain reflective elements against a transparent background, so that it looks different according to the viewpoint and light conditions.
Three structures, reminiscent of bow windows, are detached from this surface to liven up the composition, at the same time marking the entrances to the rear spaces and creating alcoves for relaxing, arresting etc.
Their glass surface, treated with a special high-tech film, can also be used for rear projections of images and diffused installations created by various artists alternating inside the building. Special dynamic LEDstyle lighting adds the final touch to the overall project by offering a wide selection of lighting solutions. The design fits in with guidelines concerning maximum energy efficiency, acoustic and lighting comfort, and the flexibility of the interior spaces.
