Architecture Review: 16/10/2011

Paul le quernec + michel grasso: nursery in sarreguemines

'nursery in sarreguemines' by paul le quernec and michel grasso in sarreguemines, france
all images courtesy paul le quernec and michel grasso
image © paul le quernec

strasbourg-based architects paul le quernec and michel grasso have shared with us images of
'nursery in sarreguemines', a 1350 m2 facility in north-eastern france. organic in form,
the design mimics the structure of a body cell, placing the nursery at the center of the layout
as the nucleus, surrounding gardens as the cytoplasm, and a circumscribing wall enclosure as
the membrane.

street view
image © michel grasso

situated on a generous plot that is lined by roads, the design focuses on providing a tranquil
setting by landscaping the majority of the grounds as a grassy meadow. a large outdoor play space
is generated through a continuous, curvilinear wall that shapes out the boundaries of the facility.
the building opens up to the yard in a series of rectangular apertures, directly integrating the exterior
with the operations and atmosphere of the interior classrooms.

one of the outdoor play area next to room
image © paul le quernec

entrance
image © paul le quernec

catering to both the children and the parents, the design revolves around providing safety
and comfort within the building. the nursery is positioned at the heart of the facility,
and serves as the central starting point for the rest of the layout. radiating outwards,
the collection of enclosed rooms feature curved partitions and walls to continue the language of
the organic exterior form. the ceiling is read as an undulating surface that puckers in and out
to open up to clerestories and roof lights. at once dramatic and playful, the result is a naturally-illuminated
interior that is perceived differently from each vantage point.

interior view of reception area
image © guillaume duret

individual room
image © michel grasso

circulation space
image © michel grasso

circular roof light
image © michel grasso

classroom
image © michel grasso

image © michel grasso

image © michel grasso

image © michel grasso

during construction
image © paul le quernec

image © paul le quernec

roof and site plan

axonometric

floor plan

section

Mecanoo architects: die toneelschuur in haarlem

'die toneelschuur in haarlem' by mecanoo architects, haarlem, netherlands
all images courtesy of mecanoo architects

delft-based practice mecanoo architects have designed the 'die toneelschuur in haarlem', a discreetly positioned theater
in the heart of haarlem, netherlands. wedged between existing structures along a narrow and winding street, the elevated
contemporary facade cantilevers to welcome visitors into a sheltered gathering space in front of the influential venue.
upon entering, a double story atrium evoking the character of a street is enclosed with both glass wall and ceiling to produce
an airy interior space contrasting the dense urban context.

the central area dissolves into a series of wings and corridors leading to the programmatic spaces. containing two theaters
and two auditoriums, the diverse seating configurations and stage dimensions support a variety of productions and performances.
a material palette of exposed brick and grey tile turn into warm wood floors and concrete partitions evoking the transition
from the cityscape into the intimate rooms.

lifted above street level to create outdoor gathering area

interior atrium

mezzanine overlooking atrium

upper level corridor

entrance to theater

auditorium

at night

floor plan / level 0

section

site model

Zaha hadid: roca london gallery

london-based firm zaha hadid architects has sent us images of the recently completed 'roca london gallery'
for the high end global bathroom brand, roca. comprised of gallery spaces, lounge areas, a bar and meeting rooms,
the 1100 meter square location will serve to host a variety of activities such as exhibitions, presentations,
seminars and debates. to make the space versatile to all the functions and events, audiovisual,
sound and light equipment are incorporated into the surfaces.

water had an important impact on the visual aspect of the design. located close to chelsea harbour,
and taking into consideration the essence of the roca brand, the power of erosion and the movement
of water are depicted by the undulating forms found both inside and outside. the similarity between
the facade and interior serves to connect the building as one complete structure. although the main walls
are gypsum panels, the meandering surfaces are fiber reinforced concrete, allowing the sight-lines
of the interior to remain open. curved walls form only semi-enclosed spaces, creating a sense
of permeability and flow.

'our work imbues architecture with the intricacy and beauty of natural forms. using a formal language
derived from the movement of water, the roca london gallery has been eroded and polished by fluidity;
generating a sequence of dynamic spaces carved from this fascinating interplay between
architecture and nature' - zaha hadid