New restaurant in the Jules Vallès schools complex

As an investigative exercise into spaces on a child-based scale, the project is themed by the division of roofs which is reminiscent of an archetypal playhouse structure.

The current levelling of the site complicates its interpretation, and movements are made difficult by the absence of fluidity. Our project, by means of its siting and its internal organization, permits the reorganization of the distribution and interpretation of exterior spaces in the schools complex. Centrally located, it is positioned at a point of convergence which involves the manifest interaction of all traffic flows and all functions. The extremely simple outline of the building blends seamlessly into the existing landscape of the schools complex.

Our working commitment has been to make this building used by children a building for children. Consequently, a series of gable roofs breaks up the scale of the building into a succession of small volumes, reminiscent of playhouses which are arranged side by side.

The ribbed aluminium cladding reflects the concept of the ridged roofs, and provides an expression of playfulness. Like a piece of origami, the new restaurant is a large folded structure which opens out onto the recreation yards.

The champagne colour chosen for the anodization of cladding reflects the coloration of the stone façades of the existing buildings, and represents a contemporary counterpart of the latter, introducing a harmonious dialogue which is respectful of the heritage of the site. Green roofs are oriented towards the existing buildings to constitute a genuine fifth façade, without impairing views from the upper storeys.