The complex offers spectacular views of the La Defense business district, but the academic buildings are surrounded by dull buildings in the Provence de France area - mainly social housing. However, the school center does not seek to match the environment: on the contrary, it declares its identity, endowing the urban space with a new quality.
The main attention is drawn to the facades of the building, sheathed with unpainted pine boards. The irregular alternation of wood with glass surfaces creates a lively, organic pattern. Natural motives and, at the same time, a departure from typical urban development are enhanced by green roofs.
The B-shaped layout of the 2-storey buildings forms two courtyards: a square kindergarten courtyard and a slightly larger trapezoidal primary school courtyard. The planning scheme of the corridor type allows you to organize the internal space in such a way that the classrooms overlook the courtyard. This orientation protects students from city noise, and abundant glazing fills the interiors with sunlight.
The building of the kindergarten accommodates five classes, the elementary school - nine, three of them have access to the terrace. In addition to classrooms, the building has a music and sports halls, a computer room, a library, a canteen and administration offices.
Separate entrances to the building from the courtyard are arranged for toddlers and older children, and the central entrance to the school is located in the northern part of the complex, under the cantilever extension of the library. The courtyard and adjacent territories are landscaped: a pavement, landscaping, outdoor playgrounds, parking for bicycles are provided. There is a parking lot in the underground part of the building.
Alla Pavlikova
