SOA: gavroche centre for children

‘gavroche centre for children’ by SOA in saint-ouen, france all images courtesy SOA image © clément guillaume

paris-based architects SOA (pierre sartoux, augustin rosenstiehl) has completed ‘gavroche centre for children’, a multi-care facility and games library in the city of saint-ouen, france. situated in the heart of the area’s new urban renewal plan, the two-storey design carefully negotiates within the site’s complexity, creating a sense of continuity with the existing architecture as well as with the layout of the adjacent victor hugo garden.

in context image © clément guillaume

situated on a triangular plot, the cultural and educational facility was conceived with social integration at the core of its design. a central hall serves as a focal pivot point to the layout with the building’s many functions organized around the wholly public space. engaging in direct dialogue with the garden, a linear forecourt occupies the interstitial space between the building and the plot line, providing an inviting outdoor space by the entrance.

access point from jardin victor hugo image © clément guillaume

visible from the gardens is a series of timber boxes that has been arranged in a staggered fashion on the upper level. this organization generates a collection of small outdoor terraces which integrate themselves into the atmosphere of the interior.  the layout of the internal programs are made effective and intuitive through colorimetric language and appropriate signage.

forecourt image © clément guillaume

outdoor playground space image © clément guillaume

in use image © clément guillaume

image © clément guillaume

hallway image © clément guillaume

entrance hall looking into the patio image © clément guillaume

image © clément guillaume

image © clément guillaume

coloured circulation space image © clément guillaume

corridor image © clément guillaume

entrance

street view image © clément guillaume

rendered axonometric

floor plan / level 0 (1) forecourt (2) living unit (3) playground (4) multipurpose space (5) games library (6) patio (7) hall (8) executive office (9) health service (10) utility room (11) water games (12) terrace (13) staff room (14) cooking workshop (15) reading workshop

floor plan / level +1

project info:

client: city of saint-ouen net floor area: 851 m2

feasibility consultants and economists: starck acousticians: GA environmental aspects and performance standards: HQE environmental approach, THPE certification