Clermont-Ferrand School of architecture
The task was to transform a sanatorium, built in 1930’s, into a
School of Architecture. The Sanatorium is a perfect example of
functional architecture, and it has to change radically its function.
In order to preserve the rational spirit of the existing building and
to create a model of a coherent architecture for the future students,
our project becomes a pure reconversion: we restated the main
architectural concept of the Sanatorium.
The project consists of 5 points:
1 - The building is isolated in a vast landscape. This ideal relationship
between construction and nature is restated. Nature regains its unity,
it surrounds the building and, linked to the landscape, it acquires a
territorial dimension.
2 - At times, the sanatorium isolated the patients; today, it hosts
social activities. The essential student gatherings are located on the
ground floor in connected spaces.
3 - The sun was the reason of existence of the sanatorium that
was oriented towards the south. We interpreted this distinctive
feature: The main entry, situated on the North façade is no longer
considered as a back shadowy side of the South façade. It receives
the sun thanks to a monumental mirror that reflects the illuminated
landscape. On each level, the horizontal circulation is placed on the
South side of the building and serves as a thermal barrier protecting
the studios from the sunlight.
4 - The narrowness of the building becomes of a use. On each level
the main circulation is placed along the South side of the building.
One can enjoy an exceptionally open panoramic view taking the long
walkway.
5 - The sanatorium is a rational architecture that had to be adapted
to the actual fire and seismic regulations. The existing structure in
masonry has been doubled for seismic reasons by a substantial steel
structure. The fire security passage runs along southern façade and
coordinates the relationship between the building and the terrace
garden.
