LAN architecture studio visit

LAN architecture studio in paris, france image © designboom

on a recent trip to france, designboom met up with umberto napolitano and benoit jallon of LAN architecture to visit their office space in paris. in our exclusive feature, we take a look at the young practice’s most recent works as well as their decidedly minimalist workspace.

located north of the seine, the studio is housed in a two-level unit in a five-storey courtyard building. featuring a half mezzanine level, the overall layout of the office is driven lengthwise from the main floor. working stations are located on one side of the space, both on and beneath the loft, while a long table and bench set-up serves as a communal meeting area. industrial in feel, some of the structure’s original elements such as the steel columns and crown molding were left intact. natural daylighting effect is maximized through the white-washed furniture, floor, walls, and ceiling.

lower level office space image © designboom

LAN, which stands for ‘local architecture network’ was set up in 2002 by jallon and napolitano after graduating from paris-la villette architecture school in 2001. investigative in nature, their agency aims to explore the idea of networks within the architectural subject, approaching every design as an excavation through a multitude of context.

‘jardin des plantes’ (2010) in paris, france image courtesy LAN architecture

their recent work with paris’ ‘jardin des plantes’ illustrates the firm’s questioning nature, pushing the boundaries of the traditional ‘greenhouse’ and the organization of the ‘museum’. consisting of four entirely renovated and restructured greenhouses, the project is laid out in an organic passageway that unfolds from one to the next, grouping together forms and colours to provide an immersive experience. the structure is dissolved to blur the architecture while illuminating the vegetation. the paths themselves are designed to blend in with the environment.

interior pathway of the greenhouse image courtesy LAN architecture

mezzanine overlooking the long tables image © designboom

work space on the loft level image © designboom

after wining the competition in 2008, ‘EDF archives center’ by LAN was recently completed in bure, france. the project aims to obtain energy-efficiency through the use of an intelligent morphology, a high performance skin, choice of adapted systems and the production of renewable energy. the building’s ecological footprint is reduced through wastewater management.

rendering and 3D model of ‘EDF archives centre’ (2010) in bure, france images courtesy LAN architecture

exterior view, after completion to see more images of the project, click here

the firm’s most recent competition wins include the design of an office building in lille, france, and a residential and retail building on the new cardinet chalabre urban development zone in paris. read our coverage of the projects by clicking through to their page.

‘sogeprom offices’ by LAN architecture (2010-2013) in lille, france image courtesy LAN architecture