Brief: A 175m-long 1980s building set at the boundary of a historic town centre and the River Seine was to be brought up to date whilst retaining the particular cachet of its location. Realisation: The result is a contemporary yet timeless structure with increased levels of autonomy. The building makes reference to the nearby banks of the Seine and the luxurious vegetation of the Île de la Jatte by giving vertical form to the idea of an “isle of green” and providing outdoor access via loggias and terraces. The new design is achieved by the overlaying of volumes in motion and playing with the vertical rhythm of the facade. Features: Now highly compact, the various volumes are economical and optimise energy efficiency. The design of the neutral space opened up between the facades and the circulation cores provides greater flexibility, simpler spaces and long-term usability. Beyond purely aesthetic considerations, the building envelope plays a significant part in to the sustainable and environmentally friendly design.
