In Arcueil (Paris Suburbs, France), due to its site condition that surrounded by residential blocks, Trévelo & Viger-Kohler architectes (TVK) has maximized the accessibility and visibility, while giving an strong identity to this Groupe Scolaire school project.
Considering the diversity of the surrounding architecture and other elements, we propose a continuous, homogeneous and calm form. From above, its footprint swings and bends to envelope the space and gives an impression of lightness, necessary for a building of this length.
Trévelo & Viger-Kohler architectes
Groupe Scolaire, image courtesy Trévelo & Viger-Kohler architectes
+ Project description by Trévelo & Viger-Kohler architectes
The urban campus of the Voltaire schools raises a specific question: How can it offer enough accessibility, visibility, and presence in the city, while being at the center of a block surrounded by residences? From our point of view, the architectural question raised in this situation is one of finding balance between interior and exterior: How can we provide a school that has a strong presence, lively and engaged in the city, while at the same time providing a calm and protected interior?
Groupe Scolaire, image courtesy Trévelo & Viger-Kohler architectes
From this idea, a path opens up and crosses from east to west. A fluid, horizontal and light-filled building follows alongside it and fits in calmly at the center of the block. The school is set back from the street, and this “school road” penetrates the block and fans out into three routes. In this way, the school is very easily accessible by way of its public pathway. The school is inserted delicately, melting into the site to find its place, and defines the boundaries of the path on the north and the courtyard on the south. This organization is simple and unified.
Groupe Scolaire, image courtesy Trévelo & Viger-Kohler architectes
Considering the diversity of the surrounding architecture and other elements, we propose a continuous, homogeneous and calm form. From above, its footprint swings and bends to envelope the space and gives an impression of lightness, necessary for a building of this length.
Groupe Scolaire, image courtesy Trévelo & Viger-Kohler architectes
Simultaneously, we searched for the most advantageous position in terms of the sun, and for natural light to penetrate given the compactness of the building, under the Energy 0 Project. The building is therefore situated along the north of the parcel to receive a maximum of solar energy through its roof and façades. The school does not cast any shadows over its own hallways, because the orientation of its premises are preferential to the north and south. The entirety of the parcel surrounding the building is planted, a continuous ribbon that redefines the school campus, encasing it with vegetation.
Groupe Scolaire - Site plan, drawing courtesy Trévelo & Viger-Kohler architectes
+ Project credits / data
Project: Groupe Scolaire, Energie 0, Arcueil
Location: Arcueil (Paris Suburbs), France
Calender: 2007-2010
Project area: 4729 m²
Budget: 11 246 260 euros ht / «energie 0»
Contractors: sadev 94
Architects : Trévelo & Viger-Kohler architectes (TVK) / urbanistes
Collaborators : evp ingénierie, inex bet fluides, mdetc economiste, agence f. boutté bet hqe, vulcanéo bet sécurité
Typology: Education | School
+ All images and drawings courtesy Trévelo & Viger-Kohler architectes
