amelia tavella embeds tiered educational institution within valley's natural contours in france

Amelia Tavella’s SCHOOL AUGUSTE BENOIT stands in Piton de Cabriès

Architect Amelia Tavella approaches the design of the School Auguste Benoit in France as a delicate integration of a monument within the vast landscape, emphasizing the harmony between learning spaces and the natural environment. The architectural concept revolves around a poetic ethic, considering the building’s origin and the inherent identity of its location at the Piton de Cabriès. The structure’s terrace harmoniously merges with the valley’s contours, outlining a fossil-like presence that simultaneously feels familiar and entirely new. The school‘s tiered layout symbolizes an ascension in both knowledge and age, with the kindergarten nestled in the valley and the elementary section looking out toward the distant horizon.

all images by Thibaut Dini

School Auguste Benoit opens up TOWARD the expansive landscape

The lush vegetation covering the roofs and surroundings not only enhances the aesthetics but also serves as an educational element for the students. The Piton school group is conceived as a protective line, maintaining a respectful distance from the village, neighboring structures, and the natural topography. The buried design ensures the building remains unobtrusive, allowing an uninterrupted gaze towards the expansive landscape. The school extends its role beyond traditional education, fostering community engagement by repurposing spaces for public use, such as the motor skills room transforming into a scenic area for readings or concerts. Amelia Tavella envisions the School Auguste Benoit not just as an educational institution but as a cultural hub and a testament to ecological commitment, shaping the scouts of tomorrow.

Amelia Tavella delicately integrates School Auguste Benoit into the vast landscape

the architectural concept embraces a poetic ethic, honoring the building’s origin and identity

the terrace structure merges with valley contours, presenting a fossil-like presence

the tiered layout symbolizes an ascension in knowledge and age

lush vegetation covering roofs enhances aesthetics and serves as an educational element

the school not only imparts knowledge but also fosters a sense of environmental responsibility

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project info:

name: School Auguste Benoit
architect: Amelia Tavella | @amelia_tavella

location: Cabriès, France

photography: Thibaut Dini | @thibaut_dini

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom