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The idea underpinning our project was to meet the challenge of using a single architectural gesture to provide urban integration and optimised comfort for the future occupants while, at the same time, creating a friendly and informal complex.

The street
The building’s strategic position on the intersection of a number of streets and the busy nature of the district directed our research towards the development of lively, rich elevations providing views through to the centre of the plot and an appreciation of this inner space.
The creation of two clefts and the transparency of the ground floor level resulting from the bike park meet this ambition, defining a project reminiscent of the buildings to be found in Paris’ inner suburbs.

The courtyard
The project is based on the party walls defining the different building heights. This movement creates a square central courtyard (17 m x 17 m), providing the project with its key element. Thanks to its considerable size, the courtyard is a source of sunlight and acts as a green lung for the apartments.

Distribution
The circulation system is very clear: four vertical circulation points on the four corners of the plot. All circulation areas are naturally lit to allow the landings to become places where people can meet one another.

The housing units
The design of the general layout was guided by a desire to provide bright sunlit units that are easy to live in and completely adaptable to the personal tastes of each occupant. The view over the courtyard will provide the peaceful environment needed for concentration and studying.
[LAN]

Programme: 150 student housing units
Client: RIVP
Location: 21 rue Pajol, Paris 18th arrondissement
Cost: €8M excl. VAT
Net plan area: 3 950 m²
Competition: 2007
Completion: 2010
Team: LAN Architecture (lead architect), LGX Ingénierie (all-trades engineers),
Franck Boutté Agency (HEQ consultant)