Student residence, Palaiseau (FR)
New building

In the immediate vicinity of the elite École Polytechnique university, the hall of residence offers students a living space surrounded by greenery. The identical cubic buildings are evenly distributed across the park-like grounds. The green spaces are lushly planted with trees and native plants and unite the ensemble into a harmonious whole.

All the buildings have the same typology: four residential levels above a recessed ground floor with generously glazed communal areas that open onto the park. A central atrium with skylight provides access to the flats. The spatial concept encourages student socialising in the communal areas and offers a retreat for individual work in the flats.

The concrete structure, anodised aluminium panels and panoramic windows add variety to the façades. With its simple yet innovative design, this "inhabited park" enriches the southern edge of the university campus.