rafael de la-hoz + carlo ratti present glass-covered building with green areas in paris

rafael de la-hoz and carlo ratti associati have unveiled their proposal for the construction of an urban hub in france. this collaboration ended up being one of the finalists in the ‘inventons la métropole du grand paris’ tender — the largest call for projects on urban planning in europe.

one of the finalists in the ‘inventons la métropole du grand paris’ tender

spanish architecture firm rafael de la-hoz and italian design practice carlo ratti associati‘s proposal ‘lignes de vie’ aimed to revitalize nanterre’s ex-industrial area, creating a verdant space, rich in public life, where innovation is implemented according to an open-source approach. this is best exemplified in the main building as it can be reconfigured and change its functions over time according to people’s needs. all the functions are part of a flexible structure, a ‘grid’ crisscrossed by a green spiral stretching up to the top of the building, looking like pixels of its glass facade.

the proposal aims to revitalize nanterre’s ex-industrial area

a constant dialogue between interior and exterior spaces is established through the presence of vegetation and glass. thanks to the use of glass on the facade, the architects have aimed for a bright surface, with reflections of light, shade and transparency, which would create a play between light and shadow. this glass envelope, opaque on the outside and transparent on the inside, has been one of the key assets of the project from an environmental perspective.

the glass facade has been one of the key assets of the project from an environmental perspective

the ‘lignes de vie’ project aims to guarantee a high level of dynamism and a wide diversity of space. the proposal will contain 89 social housing units, with services and common areas; offices, shops, and collective facilities, such as a state-of-the-art gym and a shared car park. outside, its green areas have been divided between public and semi-private areas.

the proposal is planned to develop 89 social housing units

this collaborative proposal presents a combination of unique architecture and a privileged location, in front of the grand paris express train station. it aims to turn the project not only into an entry point for travelers, but also as a meeting place centered on green areas.

this collaborative proposal presents a combination of unique architecture and a privileged location