Marchesini Headquarters / LAN Architecture

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Architects: LAN Architecture
Location: Saint Mesmes,
Client: Marchesini France
Programme: Design and construction of a company headquarters
Constructed Area: 1,250 sqm
Project year: 2008
Photographs: Jean-Marie Monthiers

The primary intention of the programme is to explore the relationship between the building and its surroundings and between the building users and the landscape.

One of the main design concerns was the building’s environmental adaptation and appropriation.
The site slopes down three metres towards the west, offering attractive views over the neighboring hills.

Our solution was to create two hierarchically related volumes placed perpendicularly to one another along a
north-south axis and following the slope of the site.

One of the volumes contains flexible work spaces while the other encloses a workshop, exhibition space and storage areas. The offices occupy the upper area of the site and are raised above ground level to provide an impression of lightness. The idea was also to erase distinctions between the different kinds of work by avoiding the use of corridors. The result is that the transition areas also act as settings where people can meet one another or as waiting spaces with pleasant views looking out over the countryside.

The workshop volume is located at a lower level and gives the appearance of being solidly anchored to the ground. The intersection of the two volumes serves as the entrance, with a sloped ramp rising up into the building.

The elevations and roof are completely constructed from black painted concrete. The roof finish allow it be read as the building’s fifth elevation.

 
 
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raúl says:

looks very simple

clean

I guess it was build in a very short time, so it looks fast

Perhaps the design is inspired by train wagons

 
# February 4, 2009 at 03:57
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LargoJax says:

It’s easy to get carried away with the relationships between buildings and it’s environment as this example clearly proves. Why do architects forget that in the end, people have to live/ work in these buildings and I certainly would find this very depressing! I prefer simplicity over minimilsm.

 
# April 7, 2009 at 03:46
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arch critic says:

a dream come true!

 
# May 19, 2009 at 13:10
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Bo Lucky says:

“The primary intention of the programme is to explore the relationship between the building and its surroundings and between the building users and the landscape.”

And this is a result of this exploration? Oh well…

 
# May 19, 2009 at 13:31
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2MACoff says:

эй arch critic если мечты и сбываются то порой ИДИОТОВ…

 
# May 28, 2009 at 14:57
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Lumiges.com says:

Little jewel in sparse environment? Both nicely complete each other. Must look even greater, when those hills will get green! Lumiges.com

 
# February 17, 2010 at 02:57
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9:49 AM Sep 6th

not sure about the plan, but I like this project: Marchesini Headquarters / LAN Architecture | ArchDaily http://t.co/EPOcO3d via @archdaily

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