community center by stendardo menningen architectes in châbal, switzerland

situated in the center of a public park in châtelaine-balexert, switzerland, this recreational community center has been completed by swiss studio stendardo menningen architectes. the structure, surrounded by several communal buildings, seeks to highlight a logical continuity and preservation of the existing landscape as well as the surrounding context. the east entrance of the site has been re-qualified by the latest construction whereas to the west, bleachers connect the building to the added esplanade.

the recreational community center located in the center of a public park 
all images © régis golay  from federal studio

sitting on a light slope, stendardo menningen architectes’ community center twists and folds to satisfy the requirements of the site —  allowing a natural openness towards the outdoors. this functional and spatial continuity along with the existing topography creates an optimal distribution across the space. in other words, the studio’s strategy ensures a balance between the volumetric needs and the shape of the terrain to form a coherent relationship.

the façade is cladded with thin wooden panels

the single-leveled building facilitates the connections and fluidity of the circulation, taking into consideration the needs of people with reduced mobility. to achieve this, the ground floor has two core areas on either side located at the end of each activity room. even more, natural lighting allows for optimal quality of the internal flow and movement. technical rooms in the basement can be reached from the outside to retain its functional independence, while the educators office and administrators are located near the entrance.

technical room

ensuring the functional independence of the technical room by accessing it from the outdoors

the building folds and twists to meet the site requirements

sitting on a light slope, the community center adapts to the existing topography

fluidity of circulation is ensured for people with reduced mobility

natural lighting fills the interiors for an optimal quality of movement

offices are located near the entrance of the building

all-white interior details

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edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom