Construction of a bioscience research building on the Mont Saint Aignan University Campus.
The aim of this project was to design a building which could house high value-added scientific technologies, by providing answers to three challenging elements of the contest :
The project is integrated into a changing urban and academic network in Mont St Aignan.
In order to improve the site's organization, the master plan lays out two development axis. The architectural statement is remarkable : a rectangle enveloped in a vegetalized double skin.
Defining the connection between the architectural design and the activities which would take place on the site was our foremost concern. The building is rectangular, and meets the requirements of its inner organisation, on 5 levels framed by a superstructure.
The elevations are vegetalized and present a wood composition reminiscent of Rouen's traditional Tudor style houses. Colorful plant containers are set at intervals. The vegetals are evocative of nature, culture, and all living things which science serves.
This architectural statement is an answer to a very austere environment.
From the outside, the construction fits a human scale, and presents a clear high quality environmental approach. From the inside, the double skin works as a protection against solar heat. Indeed the East-West building orientation is subjected to great range of solar variations. The double skin is essential to improve energy efficiency.
The plants are watered using an automated system which recycles rainwater.
Client: Conseil Régional de Haute Normandie
Surface area: 11 000 m²
Acoustics engineering : Lasa
Structure: Plantier
