l’atelier senzu builds carousel-inspired rammed earth pavilion for parisian school

inspired by carousels, its circular design encourages various collaborative setups, fostering inclusivity and unity.

christina petridou January 9, 2024 3 min

L’atelier Senzu designs rammed earth Pavilion in paris

The Le Vau Educational Pavilion, designed by L’atelier Senzu, is an eco-conscious addition to a school complex situated in Paris‘ 20th arrondissement. The project aims to tackle three main objectives: integrating functionality with educational value, strengthening connections between the school and its neighborhood, and promoting eco-friendly construction methods. To achieve these goals, the team focused on using primarily wood and rammed earth in construction, highlighting the pavilion’s structural strength, insulation qualities, and aesthetics. This deliberate choice of geosourced, biosourced, and decarbonized materials marks Paris’ first load-bearing rammed earth building. Positioned strategically to link the street and the school, the pavilion creates an inviting space for students and parents alike. Inspired by carousels or cabins, its round shape deviates from the traditional rectangular structures commonly found in educational settings. This circular design fosters diverse, collaborative arrangements, promoting inclusivity and unity.

an Educational Pavilion at Le Vau School

This initiative resulted from collaborative efforts, including the OASIS program and the participatory budget of the City of Paris, along with insights gathered from the Le Vau school’s dedicated teaching team, and spearheaded by design studio L’atelier Senzu (see more here). Recognizing the challenge of engaging parents with the school, the team noticed hesitancy and distrust towards educational institutions. In response, they conceived the pavilion as a space to reshape perceptions and foster a welcoming atmosphere. The OASIS program, focused on greening schoolyards to combat urban heat, played a crucial role. The Le Vau school experienced transformations in previously empty spaces, which became lively areas with vegetable gardens, orchards, and picnic spots. Its innovative use of earth and wood stands as an example for educators and contributes to sustainable building practices for the future.