L’OISEAU DANS L’ESPACE
The title of the project derives from Constantin Brancusi’s series of works: Bird in Space (L'Oiseau dans l'espace) (1941).
The coincidental similarity of the new Espace Familles plan with a bird - by definition inside the space - as well as its development through two main curves, brought in mind the attractively curvilinear work of the modern sculptor. Certainly without any other morphological association.
Among emblematic building blocks of modernism, the symbolic power of the new Espace Familles building owes to be great - not only because of public character that should be strong, but also because of its smaller scale that demands for a strong spatial presence. A new Espace - free, vigorous, attractive: Un Oiseau dans l'Espace.
CURVATURE__The first curve is inscribed in the plan view: it arises in response to the random trapezoid shape of the field. The boundary of the park is curved so that the ground floor fully refers to it - at the same time receding to the east, in order to allow the whole view of the neighboring swimming pool to breathe. The second curve is inscribed on the facade of the building and is also a gesture of volume inclusion: on the west, the new building reaches its maximum possible height, while its volume diminishes towards the east in order to relate to the school complex.
REAMING__Given the need to create a large space dedicated to young children (EVE), the structure of the new building is prescribed by the creation of a large, sheltered courtyard. This raised courtyard develops in continuation of the school roof, creating a large surface area of 400m2 - full of plants, water features, relaxation and play areas. From the atrium space, the inner, sheltered life of the building emerges with successive, cascading terraces.
ESCALATION__The arrangement of the functional units follows the volume deterioration towards the west and is housed in 6 main levels: the basement level, the ground floor, the next level belongs to EVE, next is the GIAP level, above that is the Hospice General floor and finally the level of AFJ. Each of these functional units enjoys visual contact with the central longitudinal atrium and autonomy of access as well as relaxation in private outdoor or semi-outdoor spaces. These 6 sections are developed as follows:
-1_SOUS SOL__The basement is developed absolutely orthogonally, with a parking entrance on its west side and a fire safety exit on its east side. It includes 44 parking spaces, 1 catering space, storage areas and areas for IT installations. Its north-eastern part is occupied by the dressing rooms of Avanchet Sport, while Fanfare Municipal premises are located on the west side with direct, independent access from the ground floor. Two vertical cores run through the main body of the building.
±0_REZ__The group of shared recreational and cultural spaces (Café Espace Familles, Salle Polyvalante, Espace Animation/Theatre) is located on the south, facing the park, while the library faces the north. The Hall d'entrée can be found between them, on a longitudinal, through movement axis that connects the school to its outdoor corner staircase - with the Ludothèque next to it. The esplanade couverte connects the theatre, the café and the salle polyvalante and also broadens out towards the park. The design management of the latter happens through the interweaving of curvilinear paths with circular elements - two of which receive the preau couverte.
+1_EVE__The EVE level, revolves around the sheltered courtyard (460m2), with the 4 salles de vie venturing directly into it underneath its large tree - whose roots are housed in an underlying pot. The simple Π-shaped internal movement is complemented by a smaller corridor that serves the supporting spaces on the west. EVE can be accessed either from the ground floor, or directly from the enclosed courtyard via the school's corner staircase.
+2_GIAP__The level of the GIAP also follows a Π layout, that develops around the courtyard and unfolds in two partly planted rooftops (310m2), one of which enjoys the reféctoire. Apart from the two vertical cores, an additional staircase in continuity with that of the school ensures an independent access.
+3_H.G.__H.G. level is developed in a Γ shape, and is also served by the two cores. Its layout on the floor plans is indicative - while its expansion happens on a partially planted roof (250m2).
+4_A.F.J__The last level of the A.F.J. is developed on a main level and a mezzanine, and has outdoor relief in two partially planted roofs (320m2). An outdoor curved staircase following the curve of the south façade, connects the successively stepped terraces of the A.F.J, the H.G. and the GIAP, offering operational flexibility and integration capabilities.
SUSTAINABILITY__The creation of the rooftops with several plants creates attractive outdoor living spaces and contributes to the reduction of the energy footprint of the new shell. Geothermal and ventilation management happens through the direct perimeter intake and air exhaustion from the atrium that helps to avoid an energy-consuming system. In addition, Préau's roof coverage with photovoltaic systems is proposed.
MATERIALITY__The building shell refers to the south and allows the sunlight to enter the courtyard through the successive escalation of the respective terrasses. The indoors glazing is opposed to a more enclosed view towards the north - for reasons of insulation and physical protection. The solid facades of the building are light-colored, shaped by plaster or fair-faced concrete - while their sculptural openings function as vertical riffles.
IDENTITY__The Espace Familles de la ville de Vernier must be a friendly, functional building, receptive mainly to children's presence and activity. A new landmark: Open to the sun, whitish in the green park, vigorous in its relationship with the city, soft through its curved lines, free in its kinetic life: Un oiseau dans l’espace.
Project Team:
Andrianopoulos Tilemachos, Gkikas Thomas, Montsenigos Christos, Voutsas Christos, Xanthopoulos Konstantinos, Papaioannou Marina, Paraskevopoulou Vasiliki, Karydi Mikelina, Alessandro Tiezzi
Structural Design:
Kontizas Athanasios
Landscape Design:
Tsiridani Eleni