NBJ architectes surrounds honoré de balzac high school with colored fins in france

NBJ architectes surrounds honoré de balzac high school with colored fins in france
photography by paul kozlowski / photo architecture

french practice NBJ architectes has recently completed the renovation and extension of honoré de balzac high school located near the historic center of castelnau-le-lez, south of france. improving spatial arrangement, efficiency of the distribution of buildings and strengthening the barrier between inside and out were some of the main aims of the project.

illustrated by the high, vertical colored fins, this continuous façade offers a variation of shadow and light, the school has been given a more distinctive and contemporary identity. the placement between each fin exudes the right amount of transparency, hiding what is within, and breaking up the space into layers for the students inside. painted in shades of orange and red, the use of color offers a luminous framework of teaching and design consistency. fittingly, within the agricultural school establishment, a expansive greenhouse has been constructed for experiments and taking advantage of the ideal mediterranean climate, the greenhouses ensures all year round floral production. 

a strong and contemporary identity which opens up to the principal access on the public pathway

vertical fins wrap the exterior façade

inside the campus, the classrooms are connected by outdoor paths

the fins create a play of light and shadow

the color offers a luminous framework of teaching

the agricultural school

greenery and landscape has been planted throughout

the school offers expansive greenhouses for students to learn more about flora and fauna

the mediterrean climate enables the plant life to flourish all year round

inside the greenhouse