ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france
‘l-aire de la chaponne’ is a 24 hour highway rest area located on the A6 autoroute, linking paris to lyon. designer ora ito sought to create a ‘non-architecture’ by integrating program into the volume of a hill. an ample green roof makes a single entity of structure and environment. the landscape is an inhabited shelter containing a sleek curved program of eateries and seating, while a prairie-like exterior helps break the monotony of vehicular travel by providing an opportunity to picnic and play. the circular arrangement of the space makes for optimal visibility and practicality, allowing a totem-like smattering of signage distinguished by shape and color. the fluidity of the form remains warm, harmonious and reassuring at night when the volume of the building is illuminated from the ground and trees.

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france
‘aire de la chaponne’
image © ora-ïto | main image © fabrice dunou | all images courtesy of ora-ïto / fabrice dunou

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france
pavers give way to a green-topped dome
image © fabrice dunou

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france
graphic signage remains lighthearted
image © fabrice dunou

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france
ample outdoor seating is park-like
image © fabrice dunou

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france
a view of the futuristic, curved petrol station
image © fabrice dunou

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france
‘aire de la chaponne’ by ora-ïto, burgundy, france
image © ora ito

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france
detail of the metal parasols
image © ora ito

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france
the fluid form on the main building
image © ora ito

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france
convenience center for a quick snack
image © fabrice dunou

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france
wooden slats cover the surface of the vending area’s overhang
image © fabrice dunou

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france
ample interior seating
image © fabrice dunou

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france
a series of service islands
image © fabrice dunou

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france
image © fabrice dunou

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france
curved glazing affords wide views
image © ora ito

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france
dusk view
image © ora ito

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france
green spaces are reclaimed after construction
image © ora ito

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france
the signage shines brilliantly against the hillside at night 
image © fabrice dunou

 

 ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france

site plan
image © ora ito

 

 

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france

site rendering
image © ora ito

 

 

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france

ground plan
image © ora ito

 

 

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france

perspective of greenery
image © ora ito

 

 

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france

perspective of outdoor dining space
image © ora ito

 

 

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france

petrol station
image © ora ito

 

 

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france

experiential view of rest stop
image © ora ito

 

 

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france

alternate view
image © ora ito

 

 

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france

interior rendering
image © ora ito

 

 

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france

interior rendering
image © ora ito

 

 

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france

proposed retail space
image © ora ito

 

 

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france

curved inner spaces
image © ora ito

 

 

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france

exterior at night
image © ora ito

 

 

ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france
image © ora ito