Clermont Ferrand School of Architecture

Clermont Ferrand School of Architecture

Du Besset-lyon Architectes

Clermont Ferrand School of Architecture

SIZE
5000 Sqft - 10,000 Sqft

YEAR
2015

LOCATION
Clermont-Ferrand, France

TYPE
Educational › University

Clermont Ferrand School of Architecture

The task was to transform a sanatorium, built in 1930’s, into a School of Architecture. The Sanatorium is a perfect example of functional architecture, and it has to change radically its function.

Clermont Ferrand School of Architecture
Clermont Ferrand School of Architecture

In order to preserve the rational spirit of the existing building and to create a model of a coherent architecture for the future students, our project becomes a pure reconversion: we restated the main architectural concept of the Sanatorium.

THE PROJECT CONSISTS OF 5 POINTS

1 - The building is isolated in a vast landscape. This ideal relationship between construction and nature is restated. Nature regains its unity, it surrounds the building and, linked to the landscape, it acquires a territorial dimension.

Clermont Ferrand School of Architecture
Clermont Ferrand School of Architecture
Clermont Ferrand School of Architecture

2 - At times, the sanatorium isolated the patients; today, it hosts social activities. The essential student gatherings are located on the ground floor in connected spaces.

3 - The sun was the reason of existence of the sanatorium that was oriented towards the south. We interpreted this distinctive feature. The main entry, situated on the North façade is no longer considered as a back shadowy side of the South façade. 

Clermont Ferrand School of Architecture
Clermont Ferrand School of Architecture

It receives the sun thanks to a monumental mirror that reflects the illuminated landscape. On each level, the horizontal circulation is placed on the South side of the building and serves as a thermal barrier protecting the studios from the sunlight.

4 - The narrowness of the building becomes of a use. On each level the main circulation is placed along the South side of the building. One can enjoy an exceptionally open panoramic view taking the long walkway.

Clermont Ferrand School of Architecture
Clermont Ferrand School of Architecture

5 - The sanatorium is a rational architecture that had to be adapted to the actual fire and seismic regulations. The existing structure in masonry has been doubled for seismic reasons by a substantial steel structure.

The fire security passage runs along southern façade and coordinates the relationship between the building and the terrace garden.

Clermont Ferrand School of Architecture
Clermont Ferrand School of Architecture
Clermont Ferrand School of Architecture


Clermont Ferrand School of Architecture
Clermont Ferrand School of Architecture
Clermont Ferrand School of Architecture