image © sou fujimoto + nicolas laisné associés + OXO architectes

Manal Rachdi Oxo architectes, Sou Fujimoto Architects and Nicolas Laisné Associés, Won the first Prize for the new Learning Centre of the Ecole Polytechnique, in Paris-Saclay.

The Ecole Polytechnique designated Sou Fujimoto Architects, Manal Rachdi Oxo architects and Nicolas Laisné as winners of the design competition organizedfor the construction of the new Learning Centre of the Ecole Polytechnique, in Paris-Saclay.

outer perspective crytallizes the building itself;image © sou fujimoto + nicolas laisné associés + OXO architectes

The operation aims to design a single building where study programs will be shared between six education and research institutions as the Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Mines-Telecom, AgroParisTech, ENSTA ParisTech, ENSAE ParisTech and Institut d'Optique (IOGS),As a symbol of the union of the six schools, all of them belonging to the Paris-Saclay University, the learning center becomes a point of convergence, thought of as an extension of the qualities of the adjacent landscaping project.

the auditorium gets a maximum light;image © sou fujimoto + nicolas laisné associés + OXO architectes

The building, with an area of approximately 10 000 m² and a budget of € 32.5M, will host 150 staff and welcome 2,000 students within its premises of various typologies. In addition to several lecture halls and numerous classrooms; spaces dedicated to innovative pedagogy will be created. “Distance-learning rooms”,videoconferencing and collaborative working spaces such as “boxes-work” or “project rooms” will optimize the environment for an educational system focused on interactivity and digital tools.

several lecture halls and numerous classrooms provide maximum interaction through the trasperancy;image © sou fujimoto + nicolas laisné associés + OXO architectes

The building will also provide a cafeteria and relaxation areas favoring serendipity, itself encouraged by the close proximity of the research laboratories of the Ecole Polytechnique.The architectural concept:flexibility, mingling and openness Opening up to the linear park in front, the Learning Center is invaded by nature.Inside, a wide atrium is inhabited by the light vegetation and a series of walkways and staircases creating numerous informal spaces for teachers, students and visitors allowing new places to meet or work.These platforms, the "spontaneous amphitheaters" and the classrooms are united under one roof providing promiscuity and privacy in an intimate relationship with nature.People won’t pass each other in corridors anymore, but meet in vivid places, in a unique space bathed in soft light, with surprising and changing views.

the interior of the building is integrated with ''nature&green'',which creates a maximum openness to users;© sou fujimoto + nicolas laisné associés + OXO architectes 

The large transparent facade of the Learning Center opens to the West on the "Green", a vast public space covered by lawns and partly wooded. The building is thus seen as an open space revealing the activities taking place in its heart and stands as an architectural and academic emblem of the future neighborhood.

the staircases also create some sort of inviting areas which is called ''relaxing platforms'';© sou fujimoto + nicolas laisné associés + OXO architectes

The Learning Center, soon to be erected in the heart of the current development area of the École Polytechnique, is representative of the evolution of the urban campus of Paris-Saclay which just entered the operational phase. The campus served by the future train line 18 of the Grand Paris Express will reach a program of a total of 1.740 million square meters.

site plan;image © sou fujimoto + nicolas laisné associés + OXO architectes

section;image © sou fujimoto + nicolas laisné associés + OXO architectes

elevation;image © sou fujimoto + nicolas laisné associés + OXO architectes

axonometric programming;image © sou fujimoto + nicolas laisné associés + OXO architectes

section;image © sou fujimoto + nicolas laisné associés + OXO architectes

elevation;image © sou fujimoto + nicolas laisné associés + OXO architectes

elevation;image © sou fujimoto + nicolas laisné associés + OXO architectes

front elevation;image © sou fujimoto + nicolas laisné associés + OXO architectes

model of the building;image © sou fujimoto + nicolas laisné associés + OXO architectes

model of the building from top;image © sou fujimoto + nicolas laisné associés + OXO architectes

model of the building from section;image © sou fujimoto + nicolas laisné associés + OXO architectes

All Renderings © RSI-studio

Project Facts

Type:Restricted competition

Architects Team:Sou Fujimoto Architects + Nicolas Laisné Associés+Manal Rachdi Oxo architectes

Surface:10 000 m²

Budget:€ 32.5M

Location:Paris-Saclay University, France

Status:1st prize

Team Project

Soui Fıjimoto Architects (Tokyo, Japan)
Partner in charge:Sou Fujimoto
Project manager:Marie de France

Manal Rachdi Oxo Architects (Paris, France)
Partenaires-en-Charge:Manal Rachdi
Project manager:Traian Bompa, Helena Frigola

Nicolas Laisne Associes (Paris, France)
Partner in charge:Nicolas Laisné, Dimitri Roussel
Project manager:Margaux Desombre

Consultant:Egis Batiments (Paris, France)
Partner in charge:Patrice Lynch
Engineers:Alain Collet, Mario Figueiredo, Henri Souchon

Bet Conception Et Ingenierie Environnementale:Frank Boutte
Consultants (Paris, France)
Project manager:Olivier Puertas

Acoustician:Lamoureoux Acoustics (Paris, France)
Thomas Jourdan

Perspective:RSI-studio, Manal Rachdi Oxo architectes. Nicolas Laisné associés.

Maqeette:Jean louis Courtois Model and co.

> via Manal Rachdi Oxo architectes, Sou Fujimoto Architects &Nicolas Laisné Associés