ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france

‘l-aire de la chaponne’ is a 24 hour highway rest area located on the A6 autoroute, linking paris to lyon. designer ora ito sought to create a ‘non-architecture’ by integrating program into the volume of a hill. an ample green roof makes a single entity of structure and environment. the landscape is an inhabited shelter containing a sleek curved program of eateries and seating, while a prairie-like exterior helps break the monotony of vehicular travel by providing an opportunity to picnic and play. the circular arrangement of the space makes for optimal visibility and practicality, allowing a totem-like smattering of signage distinguished by shape and color. the fluidity of the form remains warm, harmonious and reassuring at night when the volume of the building is illuminated from the ground and trees.

‘aire de la chaponne’
image © ora-ïto | main image © fabrice dunou | all images courtesy of ora-ïto / fabrice dunou

pavers give way to a green-topped dome
image © fabrice dunou

graphic signage remains lighthearted
image © fabrice dunou

ample outdoor seating is park-like
image © fabrice dunou

a view of the futuristic, curved petrol station
image © fabrice dunou

‘aire de la chaponne’ by ora-ïto, burgundy, france
image © ora ito

detail of the metal parasols
image © ora ito

the fluid form on the main building
image © ora ito

convenience center for a quick snack
image © fabrice dunou

wooden slats cover the surface of the vending area’s overhang
image © fabrice dunou

ample interior seating
image © fabrice dunou

a series of service islands
image © fabrice dunou

image © fabrice dunou

curved glazing affords wide views
image © ora ito

dusk view
image © ora ito

green spaces are reclaimed after construction
image © ora ito

the signage shines brilliantly against the hillside at night 
image © fabrice dunou

site plan
image © ora ito

site rendering
image © ora ito

ground plan
image © ora ito

perspective of greenery
image © ora ito

perspective of outdoor dining space
image © ora ito

petrol station
image © ora ito

experiential view of rest stop
image © ora ito

alternate view
image © ora ito

interior rendering
image © ora ito

interior rendering
image © ora ito

proposed retail space
image © ora ito

curved inner spaces
image © ora ito

exterior at night
image © ora ito

image © ora ito