Concepts and design competitions provide our studio with a rich library of research, ideas and solutions. Since its creation in 1997, the studio has produced designs that today have enabled us to build up a R&D laboratory. Architecture competitions always accelerate creativity: they demand that we come up with a clear, efficient way of meeting complex brief requirements in a minimum amount of time. Concept projects, on the other hand, allow us greater freedom and opportunity to explore.
ORIGONE | FRANCE
The Origone project is continuing to work with the Perimmo group on a housing scheme that takes into account the changing needs of its inhabitants. The arrival of a new child, separation, sharing a flat, the creation of a reconstituted family, teleworking, loss of autonomy are all new aspects of contemporary life that need to be integrated into the architectural design and its economic approach. The project attempts to imagine these evolutions starting from a basic living module and a constant footprint, by proposing various scenarios for extensions to the house that can be staggered over time and thus be more easily financed. Beyond the simple construction game that this constitutes, Origone lays the foundations for a more concerted way of life, but also one that is freer, more respectful of resources and more adapted to our world. The eco-design of the modules, the virtuous management of the building site and the control of energy consumption are also part of this approach.
TOULOUSE HOTEL COMPLEX | France
The programme consisted of regrouping the various functions supporting the Toulouse Exhibition and Convention Centre together into a single centre. The choice of a prefabricated wooden building for this project offered flexibility to evolve this hospitality destination in the future.
REINVENTING THE CITY / CLICHY SOUS BOIS | France
with EMBT and SOA Architects
The location for the Clichy-Leclaire project prompted an essentially landscaped concept: sculptural buildings of moulded, stained concrete emerge from the hillside to form a pattern of horizontal lines. The stratified effect echoes the mineral quality of the site, once used as a quarry.
LYCEE FRANCAIS / MOSCOW | Russia
The Lycée Français project was to be integrated into an already developed site, and so required an architectural design that dialogues with the existing buildings whilst adapting to the specific educational programme required for the high school. We developed a contemporary architectural design made of concrete and glass sheathed in perforated Corten steel mesh that filters the natural light and finds resonance with the neighbouring brick façades.
W MARRAKECH | Morocco
The W project is a stylistic exercise, an architectural variation on the motifs and graphic symbols found in Islamic art in general and in Marrakesh in particular. Here, the myriad forms become architecture, turning into pergolas, shade canopies and shutters that subtly blend into the landscape.
REINVENTING THE CITY / PERSHING SITE | France
with Atelier 234
The Pershing hotel project was to integrate a site incorporating the Parisian ring-road crossing structure. The brief called for a complete range of public spaces: lobby bar, restaurant, events venue, sports centre, and spa as well as a swimming pool and bar on the top floor.
LYCEE FRANCAIS / ABU DHABI | United Arab Emirates
The design for the Lycée Français in Abu Dhabi develops the concept of bioclimatic wall architecture. The architecture reflects a world of culture and calm, with gardens and vegetation providing refreshing coolness, protected from the sun’s rays by metal latticework and awnings.
LYCEE FRANCAIS / SOUSSE | TUNISIA
with KB Architecture
Bioclimatic design guided the site implantation of this project, taking into account optimal orientation and prevailing winds. The architectural design evokes constructions traditionally found in countries with hot, dry climates: its brick patios, walls, passageways, and canopies create shaded areas and help to ventilate the building.
EDEN RESORT / Reunion Island | France
with Nicolas Grouard architect
Guided by an in-depth understanding of the context, the design process was shaped by the decision to emphasise discovery and emotion. In the spirit of Six Senses Con Dao, the project stands out for its adherence to site topography, its economical use of land, and its showcasing of views overlooking the sea.
CHEDI MALDIVES | Maldives
Dhaparu is a remote island in the northern Maldives in the Haa Alifu Atoll. In collaboration with GHM Hotels & Resorts, we were given the opportunity to create a manifesto for the art of living in the Maldives, between land and ocean, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
CHEVAL BLANC AL KHAIRAN | Sultanate of Oman
This project responds to the arid, hilly environment by inserting a contemporary architectural language: pure white volumes seated on stone walls, views framed by porticos, the use of water and luxuriant vegetation, and the play of light shaped by the masharabiyas.
RESIDENTIAL PROJECT / OURCQ JAURES | France
The guiding principles of the project include: creating a strong relationship with the surrounding urban environment and neighbouring façades; introducing shared gardens; increasing sunlight exposure by removing separating limits; and finally, ensuring environmental performance, particularly through the extensive use of bio-sourced materials.
SIFAH RESORT | Sultanate of Oman
Our aim was to combine the essence of Arab architecture with the renowned art of hospitality of Cheval Blanc. The subtle play of volumes echoes the architecture of Oman’s traditional villages. We incorporated local architectural techniques such as wind towers and the use of masharabiyas to create naturally ventilated spaces.
ILOT SAUSSURE | France
The façades of Ilot Saussure mark the architectural identity of this office building in the west of Paris.They unfold in a smooth, stream-lined fashion taking on different forms depending on the orientation. Our concept addresses the site constraints imposed by the adjacent railway tracks whilst retaining fluid volume lines.
CHEDI TAMUDA BAY | Morocco
This project is located near Tangiers, facing the Mediterranean. Strongly influenced by the site itself, we created a contemporary architectural language that incorporates the expertise of local craftsmen. Water is omnipresent: together the sea, the river, and the landscaped pools create a unique environment.
THE PROPHET MUSEUM | United Arab Emirates
The Prophet Museum is a metaphor for an inner world, a garden where nature thrives, a journey through the foundations of Islam. The horizontal line of the roof speaks of serenity and peace, in a context dominated by the verticality of high rises.
NOMAD / TAFILALET | Morocco
We were asked to design an eye and skin clinic in Tafilalet, Morocco. Rather than propose a ‘traditional’ clinic, we chose to create an architectural object: Nomad. The design is both simple and practical, forming roots to its location when set up and then disappearing without a trace when it is no longer required.
MUSEE ARTS PREMIERS / PARIS | France
with SHL Architects
The design for the Musée des Arts Premiers was to bring together Paris’ various ethnology collections in one museum. The site is located between the Quai Branly express road and the rue de l’Université. In response to this duality, we chose to break down the brief into a series of identical cubes that create a rich, urban grid interspersed with gardens.
JOHN STREET DEVELOPMENT | USA
with RAL Companies
This project developed with RAL Companies is part of the Brooklyn quay rehabilitation programme. The buidling engages with its context through a dual façade: on the ‘New York’ side, a glass composition that plays with the water reflections in the East River; on the ‘Brooklyn’ side, the choice of an urban design using aluminium cladding.
Photography credit: Artefactory, AW², L’Autre Image, Play-Time, Tamas Fisher