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Regardless of their size, all buildings in urban contexts contribute to the greater morphology that ultimately defines a city. The larger the project however, the more the architect becomes under pressure to sensibly balance land use ratio and design. The most current and commonly accepted approach to sustainable urban design is a degree densification in and near cities, allowing more people to use public transport, live closer to work and city centers, rely on local businesses to ultimately create vibrant neighborhoods.
What we aimed for in this project was to design a building that could respond to the above paradigm but also create – despite its large site footprint – a clear morphological relationship with the adjacent urban fabric by means of massing, inner courtyards, material selection, window opening sequence and size.
By maximizing the use of a large site footprint and carefully balancing land use with design elements such as massing, inner courtyards, and material selection, this project not only adheres to current urban paradigms but also establishes a clear relationship with its surroundings. The strategic orientation of building blocks for sunlight exposure, variation in building heights, and incorporation of terraces demonstrate a nuanced approach to urban form and scale. The use of brick adds tactile and visual richness, enhancing the overall urban experience. All available roof spaces are landscaped and some are vegetable gardens for collective use.
Environmentally, the project maximizes land use efficiency, reduces urban sprawl, and optimizes sunlight exposure for energy efficiency. By incorporating terraces and varying building heights, it enhances urban aesthetics while minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, the use of brick as a tactile material adds visual interest and sustainability, contributing to the creation of intimate and vibrant urban spaces.
As this building plot was so large relative to average Parisian sizes, we knew it would impact the neighborhood morphology. The most current and commonly accepted approach to sustainable urban design is a degree densification in and near cities, allowing more people to rely on public transport, live closer to their work and city centers, and rely on local businesses to ultimately create vibrant neighborhoods.
What we aimed for in this project was to design a building that could respond to the above paradigm but also create – despite its very large site footprint – a clear morphological relationship with the adjacent urban fabric by means of massing, inner courtyards, material selection, window opening sequence and size.
This building sits on a large rectangular site with the shortest side facing the street. This specific criteria, combined with the need to maximize square footage, helped us create a typology that responded not only to zoning restrictions but also created a series of differentiated buildings envelopes which help break down the overall scale.
Brick was chosen to introduce another dimension and scale to our design and create, via the tactile properties of the material, a more intimate scale and vibrant facades. A stucco finish for all facades facing the interior courtyards and solid wood window frames. A series of pre-cast concrete panels line the main pedestrian access both echoing the size of the project and the importance of craftsmanship.
One of our main objectives was to demonstrate that larger residential projects could be given the same level of care and detailing as smaller ones, and remain on target for budget & schedule. We did take special pride when the Building Department informed the client that our permit application had been approved upon first submission as large urban projects are invariably challenged by neighbors, but not this time!
STUDIO RAZAVI + PARTNERS is an international architecture and interior design practice spanning across Paris, London and New York.
We create sophisticated living, workplace & hospitality spaces relying on contemporary culture and craftsmanship as founding principles.
Successful designs synthesize technique and architectural sensitivity; our approach is determined by a rigorous understanding of existing relationships between technique and culture, free of stylistic limitations, open to context.
Our reputation is built on our ability to translate a client’s needs, aspirations and budget constraints into memorable designs because we believe that a long lasting experience is a measure of excellence.
