The Lot 4 – ZAC de la Porte de Gentilly project by ECDM is primarily a proposal to articulate two territories, two urban landscapes separated by the influence of the device. This context of urban fringe releases a vast expanse where the vacuum is dominant, where the eye can see far. This work on the perception and interpretation of the landscape gives a facade gable major pivotal role. Whether from the device or from the streets of Gentilly, pine nuts are present, dominant in the interpretation of the building. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The curvatures of the device and the notion of displacement generate a reading in perspective with always at least two fronts seen: the building will be seen from afar on the short sides, its angles. This unique landscape offers little end in front geometrical perception. We wanted to work on the expression of a complex volume to avoid any single side effect and literal as you can see the first door of Orleans, but instead propose a volume and a façade treatment that back and forth to unify the building over its entire periphery. So there is a unity of place generated for a project that must itself generate visual continuity, articulate landscapes, offering a calm picture, stretched taut between two territories.
Integration into the Site
Our architecture is a continuation of the realization of Henri Gaudin. We extend the size and complexity of formal seat Ipsos, we write in a contemporary register. The building opens like a fan to refine gradually gaining height. Three broad expanse largely wooded and are released. The first at ground level is a continuation of the reception area. A large hall of about 5.50 meters high ceiling extends south on the alley. Then two successive terraces, one at 4th level, 7th level at the other open to the south of Gentilly in continuity work spaces. The periphery of outdoor spaces is bounded by hanging gardens. Each movement of the volume features a caesura a horizontal floor window on 1.95 m high.
The Architecture
The building consists of three superimposed volumes each with its own characteristics. Resulting from work on archetypes volumetric commercial buildings, the shape of the project says a simple geometry, clear, geometrized, faced with large areas that shape the landscape of Paris ring. In a search for rationality, we propose an organization around a single central circulation. This device improves the efficiency of the standard plan, increasing the floor space of offices while retaining a limited number of core technologies, internal displacement is reduced by finding de facto.
This rationality is reflected in the writing of the facades that expresses strictly a frame of 1.35 m of offices. The expression of the frame is enhanced by a working progressive external sun protection just muddy the reading by creating a moiré effect, conferring a kinetic aspect to the whole. This pattern runs continuously to wrap the building in the manner of a woven wallpaper.
All the trays allow a highly modular and have been designed by enrolling in the standard typologies office. Each level is a variation on archetypes of 18 m for the first 2 volumes and 12 m for the latter. This compact and rationality allow us to have an extremely compact core while having a staircase-like Chambord.
The base is the interface between the building and public space. It houses the representation spaces like the lobby and reception, a conference center, cafeteria, and service areas such as bicycle storage, delivery area and the local waste management. In the western part is the parking ramp. Leaving the car park leads directly to the street, integrated in the grip of the base. Concealed by the shades of etched glass, its visual impact is minimal.
Architects: ECDM Location: Gentilly, France Owner: SODEARIF Program: Office Building Area: 5250 sq.m. Cost: 10.8 M € Year: 2011
