Firm： Atelier Zündel Cristea

Type： Government + Health › Aging Facility Medical Facility

STATUS： Built

YEAR： 2015

SIZE： 10,000 sqft - 25,000 sqft

In the Parisian urban context of a high density, the project’s site presents an interesting potential.

The form of the building is the result of a pragmatic approach and a determination to express the volume in terms of “a material that fills the negative” of the site in which it rests. Facing ruelle de la Planchette, the building’s upper part bends following the authorized template; thus softening the volume. The exterior skin, protective, smooth, thin, of a neutral color, faces the city. Facing rue de Charenton, the site’s shifting in form led us toward the use of volumes of surprising proportions, which fold into the roofing, the whole covered with the same material.

Inside the building is laid around two courtyards planted internally; natural light is present in all the living spaces, and thus also the horizontal circulations.

The substantial work regarding the various thicknesses and qualities of the facades marked our determination to distance ourselves from a monotonous “establishment” image. The rapport between the building and the city surrounding it being one of our principle concerns.