School’s Twin Extensions
In Courbevoie, in a residential district outside of Paris, two elementary schools shared the same block and the same playground, though not the same school principal. As the need for public space grew, the City of Courbevoie decided it wanted an extension, which it thought would be common to both schools. But the BP Agency, did not see things quite the same way; instead of the ground plan sketched out by the municipal services, BP proposed not one but two extensions. Two buildings with the same construction, twin structures arranged perpendicular to each other so that the observer has the strange sensation of seeing the same object from two different angles.
On either side, a deliberately sturdy mineral base to enclose the schoolyard and house the technical premises, servicing areas and bathroom facilities. Above the base, a vibrating, golden metal box housing a floor dedicated to classrooms with a pediment and a library looking out onto the city, turning knowledge and study into figureheads of the school. And in both cases, slanted walls serving as the pupilsí entrance. As a result, the playground area was enlarged and even included a vegetable garden: a solution that made everyone happy!
Our two extensions shimmer. The faÁades of the metal boxes are covered with anodized aluminium clapboard in three 3 colours: champagne, bronze and gold, giving the buildings an attractive, sparkling look. The structure as a whole produce an impression of abstract vitality.
This is therefore the story of a twofold accomplishment. These two structures, with their highly contemporary style, recompose the city block, making it more compact and lively. Architecturally: a bland district is turned into a landmark neighbourhood. Symbolically: with these twin extensions, BP signe an egalitarian manifesto for the Franceís public school system
But the real moral of the story is that one can be outside the competition and still be the winner.
LOCATION
12 rue Cayla, 70 rue Armand Silvestre in Courbevoie (92)
PROJECT MANAGER : BP Architectures
program
Extension of two elementary schools with 2 and 3 classrooms, respectively, a library, bathroom facilities, premises for special needs pupils, and 1 multipurpose room. Installation of a vegetable garden in the schoolyard
CONTRACTING AUTHORITY
City of Courbevoie
SURFACE AREA
2,200 square meter
BUILDING COST :
Ä3.1 million excluding tax
CALENDAR :
Delivery September 2008
Cabinet MTC - BET T.C.E. + Economiste
CONTRACTING COMPANIES :
CERP, ROGER RENARD, LEBRUN, ALMA
