CNAM Synergie Research Building
The Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers (CNAM) is a large institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education. Its main purpose is to train students but also to provide adult vocational training:
"A meeting place between the academic and professional worlds, the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers is the only higher education institution dedicated to lifelong vocational training."
The site chosen for the construction of the new research building is located in Saint-Denis, in the heart of the Montjoie ZAC (Common Development Zone), on a site formerly occupied by a building demolished at the end of 2014.
The building is organized over six levels, including a garden level located four meters below street level. This corresponds to the level of the lower slab of the old building.
The southern section, outside the building footprint, accommodates an access ramp and a logistics yard for the delivery and removal of hazardous materials and waste.
In addition, the garden level accommodates staff parking, technical facilities, and various support functions (locker rooms, stores, workshop, laundry).
On the ground floor, the main entrance is preceded by a mineral and plant-covered forecourt. The reception hall is a bright and transparent volume with a high ceiling (3.50 m). From this hall, users can reach the conference room, also largely glazed, as well as the management offices.
To enable efficient management of the flow of people and materials, a central circulation area provides independent access to the Biology, Agri-Food, Organic Chemistry, General Chemistry, and Analytical Engineering departments.
The access points are located to the north to allow for a future expansion on the vacant portion of the land. The main circulation will thus be able to connect to all levels via the existing elevators and stairs.
The building is compact and simple in form. It consists of load-bearing facades and a longitudinal central wall. The 5- to 7-meter-wide floors, free of any supporting structure, thus offer great flexibility in the medium and long term.
For reasons of economy and durability, the construction system is made of reinforced concrete insulated from the inside and clad with white enamelled terracotta tiles.
The joinery is installed on the exterior and is made of polished anodized aluminium. It is equipped with blinds integrated into the double glazing, allowing the brightness of the premises to be adjusted as needed.
Behind their seemingly random distribution lies a design that allows for the layout of the facade tiles and optimal lighting of the premises.
The interior fittings are chosen for their strength, durability, and ease of maintenance. This unity, accompanied by great formal simplicity, is a guarantee of quality and comfort, allowing for optimal working and concentration conditions.
