tristan brisard architecte: siege social a philosophie h.q.e.

‘siege social a philosophie h.q.e.’ by tristan brisard architecte in laval, franceall images courtesy tristan brisard architectephotographer: stéphane chalmeau

‘siege social a philosophie h.q.e.’ by nantes-based practice tristan brisard architecte is a two-storey office building in laval, france. situated on a sloped site in the city center, the design of the headquarters aims to provide a new answer to the problem of urban sprawl by maximizing on space while maintaining its sustainable operations.

exterior view

the small plot, measuring 347 m2, is bound on two sides by a pair of intersecting roads and neighbouring structure on another. this generated a formal volume that was long and slim, recreating a lengthy street interface that slowly emerges from the topography. providing direct dialogue with the urban site, the ground floor of the office building is largely transparent, exchanging energies between the street and the interior. at the corner of the land, the upper volume cantilevers forward to partially shelter the widened street.

night view

referencing an industrial past, the upper portion of the design is encased in a shipping container-like volume which reaches down to street level at the higher point of the site. an elevated catwalk flanked by chain-link fences provide access to the offices and offers overlooking views into the small courtyard out back. the internal circulation is simple and efficient, consisting of a main hallway that runs the length of the building. private office spaces fronted with glass is placed to one side which maintains a continuous sense of space.

from the street