recently built recreational center ‘jardin robinson’ designed by geneva-based stendardo menningen architectes (SMA) occupies a strategic position surrounded by the wooded banks of the rhone river on one side and the public facilities of the lignon district with an emblematic expression of a 1960’s concrete construction on the other side. the building is located on a steep slope between the lignon school and a pedestrian path leading to the river.

jardin robinson, a geometrical community center in geneva by SMA

 

 

 

the location required a new access ramp set at the main entrance of the building for ease of accessibility. SMA’s project proposes a folded volume in response to its context as well as mobility requirements in the vicinity. the building is designed to integrate transparency and visual openings into its surrounding environment.

jardin robinson, a geometrical community center in geneva by SMA

 

 

the external plants and vegetation are internalized with the large glass façades. the building designed for public utility expresses a strong identity by privileging the relationship between the exterior and interior landscapes. the program distribution is qualified by the use of mobile partitions allowing a flexibility of use according to the multiple activities.

jardin robinson, a geometrical community center in geneva by SMA

 

 

the main area of the activity rooms has a kitchen with access to the loggia. a core area pierced by four windows allows visual control between the play areas of the children, the mezzanine, the workshop, the entrance, and the administration office. the oak façades are composed of oblique blades reinterpreting the play of trees structuring the site. the roof, accessible from the outside, hosts thirty urban vegetable gardens and a fountain. 

jardin robinson, a geometrical community center in geneva by SMA

 

jardin robinson, a geometrical community center in geneva by SMA

 

jardin robinson, a geometrical community center in geneva by SMA

 

jardin robinson, a geometrical community center in geneva by SMA

 

jardin robinson, a geometrical community center in geneva by SMA

 

jardin robinson, a geometrical community center in geneva by SMA

 

jardin robinson, a geometrical community center in geneva by SMA

 

jardin robinson, a geometrical community center in geneva by SMA

 

jardin robinson, a geometrical community center in geneva by SMA

 

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.

 

edited by: maria erman | designboom