AAVP casares doisneau intermunicipal school complex in france

set in the seine-saint-denis commune of france, the casares doisneau is an intermunicipal school complex by AAVP which celebrates the rich architectural heritage of the region. indeed, buildings characteristic of the 20th century’s various movements mingle with polychromatic brick and millstone grit constructions typical of the late 19th century. the town also boasts 12th century gothic monuments, such as the basilica, and remarkable contemporary structures like the stade de france. while industrial buildings were not always celebrated when they were brought into service, today they become true modern symbols that should be preserved.

image (above and main) © luc boegly

from the very start, the challenge for AAVP has been to reinterpret the whole story in an allegorical fusion of architectural heritage and social memory. the richness of seine-saint-denis’ industrial buildings and the spaces which emerge from them lose themselves in the collective memory. hence, the architects set out to restore this iconography of the town and lend it a contemporary significance that can last for many generations.’what could be more ambitious than to reveal it to the local population and children through a sensitive approach which makes it relevant?’

image © luc boegly

the complex is composed of four buildings, each hosting particular programs: the ECO school, HAL gym + catering, BAG gym access and LOG caretaker accommodation with independent access. all are ultimately linked by a set of footbridges, with their façades decorated with patterns reminiscent of the brick and wires of steel structures — creating a vernacular architecture diverted into a free interpretation.

image © luc boegly

the main ECO building is an R+2 wooden structure formed like a U shape on the north side of the site (rue cristino-garcia); it houses kindergarten and primary school. on the east side, to avoid stifling the surroundings, its wooden body folds into plane like a rhizome – providing a view of the brick chimney from rue henri-murger. the chimney has been restored to its original state and opens onto the town, serving as a vertical reference point. finally, two spaces emerge on the ECO building’s roof terrace; a non-accessible garden area and a walking space with oak decking.

image © luc boegly

opposite ECO, the HAL building is based on the same principles of a wooden framework on a cement base, with an attached laminated bracing forming a decorative mesh over the upper section. moreover, it presents two large superimposed volumes: the first, on the ground floor, is an exterior sheltered space styled like old-fashioned covered markets and houses smaller single-storey structures where the school’s dining halls are located. this collection of volumes is dressed in a wooden exterior reminiscent of the ECO building.

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edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom