rh+ architecture shapes white concrete for childcare center in paris

rh+ architecture shapes white concrete for childcare center in paris
all images courtesy of rh+ architecture

located in the south of paris, in a small curved street enclosed by historical french buildings of the industrial period, rh+ architecture has constructed a childcare center. this context presents several site constraints that have been used to generate a well-integrated project into its fabric. 

view from the street

the main ideas during the development process were to perfectly fit the work into its heterogeneous surroundings and to provide a contemporary yet simple architecture. the intended effect will highlight the history of the nearby buildings and create a new urbanity. the facility has been placed on a pedestal to mark a façade that accompanies the difference in height of the street, reduce the emphasis of the slope, and give unity to the whole.

looking between two neighboring buildings towards the school

on a domestic scale, the white concrete volumes that compose its body have been oriented in such a way that they allow different perceptions and perspectives in relation to the proportions of its neighbors. the northern massing is the highest, as it leans on the party wall of a five-story headquarters, which is also the most imposing structure in the street. the central portion hierarchically establishes itself as the longest by providing the main entrance to the daycare. the south houses the mother and child welfare center, where a slight cantilever provides a visual continuity to the ancient ‘fosse aux ours’.

the avenue curves around the structure

a childcare should be a place where students can develop their perception of life, learning by interacting with others and gaining experiences in a respectful, safe, and comfortable environment. thus, this school has optimal natural lighting with a maximum amount of glazed modules between the zones negotiated by age. each of these areas has been treated with a different color, to make the spaces fun and animated. the motor city room, and the playroom are widely opened to the garden with outer blinds that protect them from the sun.

view along the façade from the entrance volume 

stimulation is not only developed in a linear way, but the richer the educational environment is, the better it is for the children. the concept to design indoor spaces comes from the thought that architecture should help activate the senses. that is why some of the details of the architecture are tactile. they are treated with various materials, for example, placo-impact activ’air for walls, colored plastic grounds, windows at the height of children, and resin changing tables. the decor is characterized by windows joints and frames constructed in aluminum and wooden, lacquered in color. meanwhile, the courtyard and the terrace are covered in a cushioned rubber floor with vivid circles.

detail of the exterior 

the aesthetic is developed from a series of folded planes

interior corridor defined by shades of red

indoor view

daycare sink

looking towards the courtyard

programmatic diagrams 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.