One of the great challenges of the URSSAF building was the need to support the dialogue with the surroundings so to enhance the force lines of the existing
urban tissue with the implementation of this building.
Designed with the principle of successive plant withdrawals, the URSAFF building is part of the environment which it defines and structures.
The building will bring along a specific urban form due to its privileged relation with the surrounding urban tissue; this tissue is, as usual in Saint Etienne,
both mineral and vegetal.
The building’s shape is sculpted by a succession of withdrawals covered with vegetation. Each level is clearly expressed in the facade by the horizontal highlighting of the terraces; more specifically thanks to the vegetation behind the railings.
The perception of this inhabited topography appears to (or shows/ shines) lighten (relaxed) because of the volume’s horizontal rhythm; it is even more softened by the presence of the façade’s vegetation which echoes the outcrop of nature overall present in Saint Etienne.
Due to these planted terraces a visual prolongation of each floor is made; they provide a high level of visual and spatial comfort and all work spaces benefit
from a double orientation.
All the offices and work spaces hence have an exterior green space which offers the users privileged views over the hills in the North and over the open mineral garden in the South.
To avoid thermal bridges, these terraces are covered with wooden decking and behind the railings they are dotted with flower beds; which are also accessible
for maintenance.
The strong presence of vegetation in this commercial building, designed for both public and private use, on the site Chateaucreux, which presents a particular
topographic context and privileged visual relations with the landscape, allows to reconnect with the geography of the place and to define a specific architectural identity that mobilizes the potential of the town.
In the existence of these exterior spaces of each office lies the potential of stimulating the emergence of new uses, consistent with the will for improving the quality of work and live.

2009

Architect : Mikou Design Studio
Use : individual offices and open space, meeting rooms, foyer and restaurant for employees, atrium, delivery platform, parking
Client : EPA Saint-Etienne
Site Area: 2775 m2
Bldg. Area: 2775 m2
Gross Floor Area: 10 000 m2
Blag. Coverage Ratio:
Floor Area Ratio: 3,6
Blag. Scale: 7 floors above ground and 3 below ground
Structure: Metal
Max. Height: 29,70 m
Landscape Area: inner garden of 605 m2
Parking lots: 140 lots
Exterior Finish: Aluminium lamels
Completion period: 2009 Design competition entry, winner - scematic design

Selma MIKOU, Salwa MIKOU, Cécile Jalby, Iskra Pencheva, Samiel Musolino, Mickael Courtay

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