ESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura

ESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - Exterior Photography
© Aldo Amoretti

ESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - Exterior PhotographyESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - Image 3 of 37ESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - Interior PhotographyESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - Interior Photography, WindowsESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - More Images+ 32

Montpellier, France
  • Architecture: Xavier Montclús, Benoist Desfonds, Julie Le Baud, Raluca Desa
  • Programming Direction And Coordination: ARTEBA – Gilles Gal
  • Structure: BAC Engineering Group
  • Installations And Sustainability: BET DURAND
  • City: Montpellier
  • Country: France
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ESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - Exterior Photography
© Aldo Amoretti

Text description provided by the architects. The ESMA (Ecole Supérieure des Métiers Artistiques) is located on the grounds of a former army barracks, specifically on the parade courtayard.

ESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - Exterior Photography
© Aldo Amoretti
ESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - Image 35 of 37
Croquis - Geometrical Scheme of Facade
ESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - Image 3 of 37
© Aldo Amoretti

A new neighbourhood consisting of reused military buildings as well as new buildings surrounds the project. The parade courtyard is outlined, respecting the large trees in its periphery, defining a collective open courtyard. The volume, despite its rigidity, aims to adapt to the place.

ESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - Interior Photography, Windows, Facade
© Marie-Caroline Lucat
ESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - Image 34 of 37
Croquis - The School as a Base
ESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - Interior Photography, Stairs, Chair
© Marie-Caroline Lucat

The program is complex and very attractive. It's a small condensed city consisting of a large interior plaza, a restaurant and a large technical space: a filming set, classrooms and academic spaces along with housing, sports facilities, etc. A small city with academic, leisure and residential activities. The project attempts to reach this vital condensation in an orderly and free manner.

ESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - Image 10 of 37
© Aldo Amoretti

The building is hard, repetitive and closed to the street, while more open to its inner courtyard. Made of massive concrete, it is softened by different textures and colors. Rougher and darker in contact with the ground and smoother and lighter as it ascends towards the sky.

ESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - Interior Photography
© Marie-Caroline Lucat
ESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - Image 18 of 37
Floor Plan - Ground Floor
ESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - Image 26 of 37
Section 02
ESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - Image 36 of 37
Scale Model 01

The mass protects itself by controlling its relationship with the sun through slats, awnings or blinds. Especially in the academic spaces we aim to achieve different degrees of luminosity, while the rooms need be able to be more opaque.

ESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - Interior Photography
© Marie-Caroline Lucat

The image of the project is also reflected in its relation to the big trees and the buildings that surround it.

ESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - Interior Photography, Facade
© Marie-Caroline Lucat
ESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - Exterior Photography
© Marie-Caroline Lucat

The building is constructed almost entirely of concrete. The desired fine and impeccable final appearance is a possible result but one which usually requires attention and care. Martine Varlet, an expert technician in concrete, specialized in the treatment and aesthetic repair of facades, was in charge of these cares.

ESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura - Exterior Photography
© Marie-Caroline Lucat

Project gallery

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Project location

Address:Place des Armes, Caserne Lepic, Montpellier, Francia, France

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "ESMA Student Housing in Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura" [ESMA y alojamiento para estudiantes en Montpellier / Mateo Arquitectura] 22 Feb 2022. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/977175/esma-student-housing-in-montpellier-mateo-arquitectura> ISSN 0719-8884

© Aldo Amoretti

蒙彼利埃高等艺术学院学生宿舍 / Mateo Arquitectura

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