Maison (jeune) Peuple
Basic information
Project Title
Full project title
Category
Project Description
As the result of a preliminary consultation phase studying demand and supply in terms of community centers, a concept was developed proposing the availability of space as the main theme; as a pedagogical tool, as means of personal development, as an infrastructure for civic life.
To be able to build such a critical amount of qualitative space within the given budget, industrial building methods were adopted, and seasonal use concepts developed.
Project Region
EU Programme or fund
Description of the project
Summary
As the result of a preliminary consultation phase studying demand and supply in terms of community centers, a concept was developed proposing the availability of space as the main theme; as a pedagogical tool, as means of personal development, as an infrastructure for civic life.
To be able to build such a critical amount of qualitative space within the given budget, industrial building methods were adopted, and seasonal use concepts developed.
Key objectives for sustainability
- build a critical amount of space within assemblage logics.
- fro acoustic and thermal comfort, the structure is built of FSC sourced wood.
- master cost, maintenance and energy demand by reducing to the minimum technical equipment
- develop seasonal use of various spaces / perimeters
- reduce material use and waste by avoiding finishing layers.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
- it's expression: abstraction when unused. Lantern and magic box once in use.
- a light skin produces a generous natural light condition inside, and animates the (still) residual public space outside.
- raw wood communicates warmth, thermal and acoustic comfort.
- refusing finishing and decoration layers enables a close contact to structural and material honesty.
Key objectives for inclusion
- space as the ultimate good for personal development and social bonding: all ages!
- various dimensions and opening possibilities enable architectural constellations ready to respond to all kinds of programs, events, uses and demands.
- the project anticipates a public park surrounding the building in the future: it integrates its sanitary equipment and a buvette, managed by the youth
- a large kitchen aims at cross-generational gatherings
Results in relation to category
- the building has quickly become an attractor for all kinds of public events: from markets, to workshops and meetings.
- various age categories and associations use the building as a base for their activities
- the seasonal use and various perimeters of the building prove that not all spaces have to be heated nonstop but can still serve for spontaneous uses throughout the year.
- the minimal technical equipment has not lead to lack of comfort
- the term "maison(jeune)peuple" branding a civic (beyond public) equipment is again entering popular vocabulary.
How Citizens benefit
- first sketches and strategies were developed in think-tank sessions with the educational team
- a co-design workshop was then organised with the city's youth, framing the variety of program, of needs, of wishes.
- youth was during construction site involved in installing the large photovoltaic installation on the roof.
Innovative character
- co-design as defining process
- paradigm shift of priorities in public buildings: space aver standards.
- seasonal comfort perimeters & uses: beyond passive, active architecture!
- reduction of technical equipment without compromises in comfort and use
- spatial generosity and flexibility
