Olympic village accommodation / chaixetmorel.

Text description by the architect. The project, realised by chaixetmorel. in collaboration with real estate developer VINCI Immobilier, had to strike a balance between preserving the existing buildings, providing suitable accommodation for the athletes and allowing them to continue to serve as ministry offices long after the athletes have left. Chaixetmorel. built a contemporary, innovative and modern ensemble on a site of around 68,000 square metres that houses apartments as well as service, training and storage facilities. The architects managed to integrate an architecturally inspiring industrial building from the early 20th century (Maxwell Hall) and its engineering building (Copernicus Pavilion) into new uses. The campus is organised around them, along a strong east-west axis that forms the heart of the new site. Timber-hybrid construction methods were used for the new buildings. Many of the existing materials were reused on site (such as the demolished concrete of the wire ballast boxes in the new plinth zone) or taken from demolished buildings elsewhere and given a new life cycle (such as the raised floors in the office areas). Compared to similar projects under construction, CO2 emissions have already been reduced by around 40 percent and future use – initially as an Olympic Village and subsequently as office space – will also result in significantly reduced energy consumption.

The eco-district is located in the northern part of the Saint-Denis district along the Seine, at the heart of an urban fabric that includes several notable industrial buildings, such as the former power station (Halle Maxwell), early 20th century industrial architecture and the engineering building (Pavilion Copernicus). Residential and large commercial buildings are naturally integrated into this structure, giving the district a harmonious mix of uses. The program complements the current dynamics of the Saint-Denis plain, which is currently undergoing a major transformation. The campus is organized around Maxwell Hall, along a strong east-west axis that forms the backbone of the site. The two existing buildings have been renovated to match their original dimensions and colors. A new business entrance has been created. The existing architectural heritage is thus preserved at the heart of the new campus and becomes an integral part of it.

The new buildings are characterised by a sober contemporary architecture that values ​​practicality and innovation and emphasises the dialogue between architectural heritage and contemporary architecture. Two new seven-storey buildings have been erected along Rue des Brothers Lumières. On the west side, the gable facing the Kopernik Building is set back. The fragmentation and setbacks allow for terraces and generous open spaces. The three-storey volume connecting the buildings acts as a connector, also providing a wide, planted and accessible terrace. Between these connectors, spacious gardens provide comfortable and sheltered outdoor areas.

The project's planning also realises the city's ambition to use the Olympics as a catalyst to create “sustainable, inclusive and intelligent spaces” and spark social change to further enhance quality of life. Sector B of the future Village, known as “Les Verrières”, will house the athletes' housing and support functions (offices, warehouses and service facilities) programme in the new B1A and B1B buildings. Bordering the Olympic Square, Maxwell Hall and Copernicus Pavilion will house the service functions required for the Village, such as reception and relaxation areas (fitness), delegation offices and NOC/NPC areas. The creation of biodiversity corridors on three complementary levels will highlight the quality of the entire ensemble, including the open spaces of the courtyards, planted terraces, observation decks and connecting roofs.