Mixed-use in Pantin
A hybrid building within a very tight site containing four programs: a médiatheque, a gymnasium, offices and housing. The site, is an industrial district of Pantin- a northeastern suburb of Paris. The municipality of Pantin is an area for new development and urban densification.
The building forms a strong formal relationship with the street axis. The overhang above the canal creates an inviting gesture to pedestrians. All four programs are stacked into a single complex which is respectfully lower than the neighbouring Grands Moulins factory (converted recently into BNP -Paribas offices). The fully glazed ground floor médiateque includes various rooms for conferences, exhibits, administrative offices within the open plan. Two circulation shafts penetrate through all floors, acting as structural anchor points. A 9m tall gymnasium below grade is equipped with a multi sport arena as well as a climbing wall. Natural light and ventilation enters into the gym through slits between beams. The residential area takes up two of the last floors. Three housing types are available, each with a balcony and operable metal mesh sun screens. Offices are located between the housing and the médiatheque.
type of project: mixed-use, infill, individual
location: Pantin-Paris, Ile de France
supervisor: J.Pierre Pranlas-Descours
date of completion: june 2010
View from Rue Danton onto canal. Main entrance beneath overhung volume.
Hand-crafted sectional model (1:50) showing 2 out of 4 programmes: the gymnasium and the media library
At the Info Desk, front entrance.
Reading area above the admin/librarian office.
Walking past the projection room (multipurpose area). Stairs visible to below-grade gymnasium entrance.
Isometric volume created with SketchUp.