atelier 208 wraps synthetic green roof around elementary school

atelier 208 wraps synthetic green roof around elementary school
photo © alexis leclercq  
all images courtesy of atelier 208

the architects of atelier 208 have released the visuals of their latest project, ‘pajot school canteen’, located in the town of pontault-combault, france. the concept is to successfully create a facility of symbioses: recreation and education, and work and rest. easing the process was the demolition of the existing canteen, which allowed the repositioning of the building through a spatial organization focused on learning. multiple uses of natural lighting, expansive public spaces, and free flowing circulation patterns evoke a fun and playful atmosphere committed to environmental and durability objectives.

exterior landscape adjacent to one of the dining rooms
photo © alexis leclercq  

the overall massing is a pure expression of its structure and function. from a steel and concrete frame, the envelope is meant to connect to the children in a way that helps them perceive school as a place that fosters imagination, fuels creativity, and supports ingenuity. the origami-like roof folds and unfolds to allow the implementation of clerestory windows that let light penetrate the heart of two dining rooms, thus giving them various ambiances throughout the day. the exterior synthetic grass coating on the façades occasionally extends on the ground near openings and glazed surfaces in the architecture to reveal large views from every angle onto the garden and playground. the natural greenery is accompanied primary colored furnishings and decorative graphics of red, blue, and yellow throughout the interior.

interior of a cafeteria with clerestory windows
photo © alexis leclercq 

the furnishings are painted yellow and blue to provide a calm and playful atmosphere
photo © alexis leclercq 

entry to the cafeteria
photo © alexis leclercq 

red dining room
photo © alexis leclercq

white structural components compliment the rest of the color palette
photo © alexis leclercq

view of an entry recessed into the form
photo © alexis leclercq

the synthetic greenery of the building spills down into the hardscape
photo © alexis leclercq

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.