Isabelle Autissier middle school

Nature is at the heart of our architectural proposal, a source of inspiration, of expanding one’s mind, of well-being. Similar to a major vessel in port, the building is built all in length but bends in its center for more lightness and to go for the best views and light.

Transparency, brightness, functionality, this is our credo. The composite aluminum facades foster the reflections while dialoguing with the surrounding buildings in zinc-grey colors. On each floor, nature enters the middle school, offering perspectives on the horizon to provide well-being and comfort. Water area and the Erdre river can be seen from the southern-facing rooms. The classrooms and the documentation and information centre are bathed in natural light and overlook the trees and vegetation. The circulations, the corridors or the north facade of the top floor are pierced by large openings overlooking the sky, the view, the landscape. The playground is surrounded by a green theatre with fruit trees and a vegetable garden open to students. The entire building lays on a local stone base.These low walls enter the interior of the middle school. Combined with wood and light, they are sources of harmony, beauty, well-being and reconnect to earth and natural ingredients. They give the building an organic character to inhabit this middle school as a landscape.