Nicolas de Courten architectes

Description

The project proposes a long, meandering building complex. Its articulation, together with harmoniously arranged north-south links between the individual buildings, creates three connecting spaces between the two poles of activity located on either side of the busy urban space. The complex ends in a slender tower that marks and reinforces its presence on a major traffic axis, the Route des Plaines du Loup. Like the meanders of a river, the built form generates diverse public spaces. The intentionally non-hierarchical layout of the plots ensures their adaptability to different uses. On the ground floor of the south-facing buildings are entrances to the apartments, the community facilities, the nursery, offices and shops. The arrangement results in three clearly defined areas between the buildings – which are operated by different cooperatives - that become the three life poles for the complex, promoting social exchange between the residents of neighbouring buildings and thus enhancing the interactions necessary for life in this highly mixed district. As places for exchange, sharing and encounter, they offer the residents a common address and strengthen community feeling.