Cergy-Pontoise

The project is part of the urban renewal project for the Grand Centre de Cergy, and more specifically the “Chênes d'Or” neighborhood, for which the architectural and environmental excellence of the buildings is essential to the success of this ambitious urban program. The construction project for the International Research Center is intended to be an important lever for this urban renewal, designed to drive the momentum and new vision of the redeveloped Chênes Campus. This project presents a unified and powerful image. For us, the building must express the dynamism of research, and its architecture must become a new landmark on campus. At first glance, the building exudes a certain strength, clarity, and simplicity. The structure is easy to read. It plays on the irregularities of the programs and reveals porosities that give the whole a sense of breathing space and generosity.

What seemed important to us first and foremost was that each functional entity be located on a single floor. The THEMA economics and management laboratory occupies the entire fifth floor. We felt it was important to group all the offices together in order to encourage interaction between professors and researchers. On the fourth floor, we have grouped together the LPTM physics laboratory and the AGM mathematics laboratory. The spatial organization we propose allows for complete autonomy for each entity. The third floor houses the shared spaces of the research center and two beautiful outdoor terraces facing east and south. The spaces are fluid and bright. Everything has been done to encourage exchanges between the different worlds of researchers. Here, we offer collective spaces where people can settle in comfortably and remake the world. The walls will be covered with large black and white boards, covering the entire height of the room, which will become a medium for expression of all kinds.

Levels 1 and 2 are dedicated to teaching, and here too we have prioritized fluidity of movement. The multiple terraces, often located in different places, provide a pleasant setting for breaks between classes. As on the other floors, natural light abounds and there is plenty of transparency. Everything has been done to ensure that students can take advantage of the generous space we offer. The ground floor is dedicated to the advanced research institute. The conference rooms are located on the south side to take advantage of the brightest light and calmest atmosphere. The auditorium is located at the front of the building and benefits from natural light. The entrance is designed as a transparent gallery. Its double height gives it a sense of nobility. The key word for our project is probably flexibility.

The verticality of the building allows us to implement multiple scenarios. The building echoes a deliberate sense of determination, resonating with the city. This project is in tune with its time, and we believe it is the right response. Transparency dominates the facades. The diversity of the interior volumes gives the building a plastic force, a certain strangeness. The richness of the programs is magnified, the building is present. We have created a modern and functional tool conducive to work. All the means specific to architecture are used to ensure that light, transparency, and the layout stimulate users.