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

the 24 hour highway rest area contains a sleek curved program of eateries and seating, while a grassy exterior helps break the monotony of vehicular travel by providing an opportunity to picnic and play.

cat garcia menocal March 8, 2013 2 min

‘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.

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

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

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graphic signage remains lighthearted
image © fabrice dunou

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ample outdoor seating is park-like
image © fabrice dunou

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

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

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detail of the metal parasols
image © ora ito

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the fluid form on the main building
image © ora ito

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convenience center for a quick snack
image © fabrice dunou

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

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ample interior seating
image © fabrice dunou

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a series of service islands
image © fabrice dunou

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image © fabrice dunou

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curved glazing affords wide views
image © ora ito

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dusk view
image © ora ito

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green spaces are reclaimed after construction
image © ora ito

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