marking the architecture firm’s first realized project in europe, MAD architects is close to completing the ‘UNIC’ residential complex in paris‘ 17th arrondissement. after winning an international design competition in 2012, the scheme has been developed in collaboration with local french firm biecher architectes and is expected to be completed in september 2019. characterized by a sinuous, undulating form, the building forms part of a mixed-use masterplan in the burgeoning clichy-batignolles district.
image © jared chulski (also main image)
UNIC is situated in the midst of the typically parisian haussmann apartment blocks, but unlike the formal architecture, MAD‘s design takes on an organic shape in a bid to weave an element of nature into the urban fabric. to form a connection with the adjacent park, the complex is designed with a series of rounded terraces, extending the green space into homes and giving the building an overall dynamic aesthetic. the terraces also function to open the interior spaces up to the outdoors, bringing in an abundance of natural light and providing residents with impressive views over the city skyline and iconic eiffel tower.
image © jared chulski
situated in the north-west of paris, the greater masterplan in clichy-batignolles is designed to establish a new part of the city. working with the community through workshops, UNIC has been developed alongside local residents, architects and developers and will provide both private and affordable housing. in addition, by providing not only residential buildings, but also community-based resources, the site aims to breath new life into the area.
image © jared chulski
in addition to providing apartments, the 50-meter tall structure is also planned to include a kindergarten, retail spaces, and other community resources on the ground floor. residents will also be well-connected to the rest of the city by the integration of a metro station. in essence, by working with residents and focusing on bringing green areas into the building, UNIC provides optimum living spaces by constructing a building that blurs the line between architecture and nature. see designboom’s previous coverage of the project here.
image © jared chulski
image © jared chulski
image © jared chulski
image © jared chulski
image © NKCHU
image © jared chulski
image © jared chulski
image © jared chulski
image courtesy of MAD architects
image © jared chulski
image © jared chulski
image © jared chulski
project info:
project name: ‘UNIC’
location: paris, france
type: residential
status: under construction
expected completion: september 2019
site area: 11,119 ft2 (1,033 m2)
building area: 71,041.8 ft2 (6,600 sqm)
building height: 538 ft (50 m)
principal partners in charge: ma yansong, dang qun, yosuke hayano
associate partners in charge: andrea d’antrassi, flora lee
design team: zhao wei, wu kaicong, daniel gillen, jiang bin, tristan brasseur, juan valeros, gustavo alfred van staveren, xin dogterom, juan pablo, cesar d pena del rey, natalia giacomino, torsten radunski, rozita kahirtseva
client: emerige
lead architect: MAD architects
team coordinator: BIECHER architectes
executive architect: BIECHER architectes
structure engineers: BECIP – BET structure
MEP consultant: ESPACE TEMPS – BET fluides
landscape designer: PHYTOLAB – BET paysagiste
interior designer: charles zana
project management: artelia
construction company: vinci sicra ile-de-france
photography: jared chulski, NKCHU
