PAR.A. - "Racines", Plaines-du-Loup Competition
- Office: PAR Architecture
- Location: Plaines-du-Loup, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Year project: 2024
- Type: Competition project
- Program: School Complex
- Team:
Leonardo Grogg
Liliana Pinto
Mário Rodrigues
Milène Masson
Tiago Reis
Liliana Pinto
Mário Rodrigues
Milène Masson
Tiago Reis
-Building Engineer:
Thomas Jundt Ingénieurs Civils SA
-Image:
Alter Image
The “Racines” project reinvents the relationship between architecture and nature by harmoniously integrating the Collège Vélodrome into the landscape of Plaines-Du-Loup. Designed to immerse itself in its environment, this school opens onto a vast park where biodiversity reigns supreme. The school blends into the surroundings, offering its users a unique experience where the built environment and the forest meet.
At the heart of this design lies a central clearing, a true place of convergence, surrounded by architectural volumes. Through its natural circulation paths and meeting spaces, the project fosters connections not only between users but also with the neighboring city. It is not just a school, but a social, cultural, and educational meeting point.
The school stands out for its permeability and soft mobility, with landscaped walkways linking various spaces while minimizing the impact on the local ecosystem. The design is based on strong ecological principles, highlighting the use of topsoil to shape the outdoor spaces and create a constant dialogue between the interior and exterior.
The Collège Vélodrome is thus a tribute to nature, while challenging architectural conventions through its boldness and respect for the environment. It is an invitation to introspection, conviviality, and discovery, both for the students and the neighborhood residents.
