FCLP architecte deliver conservatoire d’aubervilliers in france

francois chochon & laurent pierre architectes deliver conservatoire d’aubervilliers
image © augusto da silva

the ‘conservatoire d’aubervilliers‘ is a multidisciplinary cultural space that has been built at the foot of a thirty year old apartment black, adjacent to a swimming pool and opposite a local theater. rather than make a bold statement, FCLP architectes (francois chochon & laurent pierre) wanted to create a dialogue between the new and old architecture of the french town. housing both the regional conservatory for dance and music (CRR) and the multidisciplinary cultural space (ECT), the firm has realized a building that is based on a very straightforward idea: not to construct something too high, so as to not overbear the local theater; or cast a permanent shadow on the roads surrounding the site.

view of the ECT from rue fermin gémier
image © augusto da silva

the ECT is comprised of simple programs: a foyer, cafeteria, dressing rooms, offices, a south-facing terrace and auditorium. the latter is surrounded by three levels of galleries which project a warm presence throughout the performance space, with the integration of moorings in the construction of the overhead catwalks improving working conditions and increasing flexibility, which is further explored through retractable seating that allows for a number of configurations–it has the capacity to accommodate 146 people seated, and 1,000 people standing. complementing this adaptable layout is the installation of classic curtains along the side and back of the stage that help control acoustic quality, with the assistance of reversible panels fitted on split hinges.

the concrete massing of the ECT is lightened by extensive glazing
image © augusto da silva

entrance lobby of the ECT
image © augusto da silva

interior of the conservatory
image © nicolas borel

the conservatory has an entrance that allows light to flood into its interior, inviting visitors inwards. the building regulations are not confined to the 25 meter height maximum applicable to other areas of the site, so a vertical development has been realized to accommodate all aspects of the performing arts programs, while also providing views of the trees, park space and nearby stalingrad square. a shard-shaped hallway sits between the two main programs acting as a central hub with the auditorium, music and dance classes of the school found off of it. like in the planning of the ECT, the conservatory also sees the installation of a flexible auditorium. here, panels are fitted at the sides and back of the stage to a mobile ceiling, that allows operators to adjust the platform to provide intimacy between the audience and the performers.

view of the central shard-shaped hub between the ECT and CRR
image © nicolas borel

the breakdown of the conservatory’s programmes sees teaching facilities situated on the top floors. music theory classes are found between the lower and upper spaces, immediately next to the cafeteria, and the central hall, close to the administrative areas and offices. in constructing the building, FCLP have opted for an economic architectural approach that is based on utility, as evidenced through the window sizes that have been determined based on the structure’s required levels of insulation.

auditorium
image © nicolas borel

the new space not only adds cultural life to aubervillier, but also respects the town’s historical presence. a rooftop rock garden is open to students for relaxing, while special attention has been paid to the fifth façade, ensuring that views for the residents of the adjacent residential complex on rue gémier are not spoiled. neither submissive or condescending, FCLP architectes have designed a structure that is grounded in its context.

general view of the conservatory positioned behind the ECT
image © nicolas borel

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project info:

project: conservatoire d’aubervilliers
project management: françois chochon & laurent pierre architects
assistants architects: pierre martel, david joulin, william appriou, mathilde planchot, jorge de sousa queiroz, lucille lattice grandsaigne, pascal mwémanani, mary gervaise, william button, denis albert

program:

venues:
theatre: 600 front facing seats and 1000 standing places (1400 m²)
auditorium: 300 seats (700 m²)
music teaching areas: 2800 m²
dance & theater teaching  areas: 1200 m²
administration & services: 500 m²
parking infrastructure: 150 spots
total area: 9000 sqare meters
cost of work: 21.2 m € (2010 value)
schedule:
studies: 2008-2009
completion: 2010-2013

partners:

design: change in view
audio: J -P lamoureux
economy: mazet & associés
structure: kephren engineering
fluids / HQE: alto engineering
general contractor: bouygues bâtiment ile-de- france public works
major subcontractor: LPP, ATs, master tribune, antunes, ITEC, caire
photography: nicolas borel, augusto da silva, FCLP