Architect Bernard Tschumi's Glazed "Street" Passes Through The Paris University Scientific Center
Architect Bernard Tschumi's glazed "street" passes through the Paris university scientific center. The Henri Moissan center for biology, pharmacy, and chemistry, which has been built by Bernard Tschumi Architects and Groupe-6, has a glass interior "street" as well as bridges that connect the various areas inside the building.
George EvansJul 13, 20234320 Shares227391 Views
Architect Bernard Tschumi's glazed "street"passes through the Paris university scientific center. The Henri Moissan center for biology, pharmacy, and chemistry, which has been built by Bernard Tschumi Architects and Groupe-6, has a glass interior "street" as well as bridges that connect the various areas inside the building.
The 74,000-square-meter structure is located on the campus of Paris-Saclay University. It is one of the largest university buildings in France and was named after Henri Moissan, a French chemist and pharmacist who was awarded the Nobel Prize. The building houses labs, classrooms, auditoriums, social spaces, restaurants, and offices for the institution.
The architectural firm Bernard Tschumi Architects, with offices in Paris and New York City, was victorious in a competition held in 2018 to design the project. Their winning diagrammatic plan included six separate volumes connected by an internal roadway and glass connecting bridges.
The building has the shape of a U and is divided into three sections: a glass atrium to the north, teaching blocks and lecture halls to the west, and a research and laboratory block to the east that was built in partnership with the French group Groupe-6.
“„The main meeting spaces are located in the atrium, which expands into and links the 'street of research' and 'street of education'.- Bernard Tschumi Architects
“„This acts as a spine throughout the project that connects every part of the building on the upper ground floor.- Bernard Tschumi Architects
“„The primary circulation is public but leads to private and restricted-access labs and teaching spaces reserved for researchers and students.- Bernard Tschumi Architects
A totally transparent exterior welcomes visitors to the university, while the atrium block and bridges on each side are covered with a pattern of metal framework that was inspired by schematics of molecular formations.
In the meanwhile, the classroom and research blocks are separated from one another by mullions made of precast concrete. A social "heart" of the building is formed by seating areas that are elevated on mezzanine levels and connected by staircases and walkways. These areas loop around two central auditoriums that are separated by two voids at the center of the block.
The Bernard Tschumi Architects
Bernard Tschumi Architects is an architectural firm founded by Bernard Tschumi, a Swiss architect and educator. The firm is known for its innovative and unconventional approach to architecture and urban design.
Bernard Tschumi established his architectural practice in 1983 after gaining recognition for his theoretical writings on architecture and urbanism. He is widely regarded as one of the leading architectural theorists of his generation.
The firm has been involved in numerous high-profile projects around the world, including cultural, educational, and residential buildings, as well as urban masterplans.
The work of Bernard Tschumi Architects is characterized by an exploration of spatial concepts, the integration of theory and practice, and a focus on the relationship between architecture and the urban environment. The firm's designs often incorporate unconventional geometries, vibrant colors, and a sense of movement and dynamism.
In addition to his architectural practice, Bernard Tschumi is also an influential educator and writer. He has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the Architectural Association in London, Columbia University in New York, and the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation at Columbia University, where he served as the dean from 1988 to 2003.
Final Words
Bernard Tschumi Architects has made significant contributions to the field of architecture through their innovative designs and theoretical explorations, pushing the boundaries of architectural expression and urban design.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles