Considered as one of the vital components of urban ecosystems, gardens are responsible for improving air quality, mitigating urban heat islands, and enhancing the well-being of urban residents. These spaces are distinguished as the ‘lungs of the city,’ serving as communal areas that contribute to a livable environment through their invaluable ecosystem services. Incorporating the concept of gardens in design, French architecture and interior design firm Atelier du Pont conceived the Le Pavillon Jardins, which translates to 'Gardens Pavilion,' as part of the framework of the public park, Parc de la Villette and follies by Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi.

Tschumi’s innovative design for Parc de la Villette in France envisioned a cultural space for activity and interaction through the 10 themed gardens spread across the 135 acre site. The park was designed as an expansive user-defined space which is completely open to interpretation. The architect merged the natural and artificial elements into a state of consistent exploration. Adding to the park landscape, the workspace amalgamates nature with architecture by restoring over 5,000 sqm of green space and designating an area of 3,000 sqm to the operating building.

Conceived for the 'Establishment of the Park and the Grande Halle de la Villette', the building acts as a base camp with 155 workstations for La Villette’s team which was earlier housed in the nine prefabricated buildings of Cité Jardin, constructed in 1982. The new project will be based on "a generic structure where both uses and the making of events shape the identity of the place," showcasing the structure’s adaptability which complements the program it hosts.

The studio founders and French architects, Anne-Cécile Comar and Philippe Croisier, utilised concrete for its durability and stability, and timber for its lightness and minimal carbon footprint, both as interconnecting elements in their design to achieve a 12-metres span structure. Its repetitive exterior facade incorporates a linear grid in glass and timber to enhance its ceremonial character. The unobstructed indoor areas, on the other hand, are arranged on two tiers around a central atrium where a stepped staircase design facilitates project presentations, conferences, and casual gatherings. The custom-designed micro-architectures further accentuate the area by functioning as meeting pods, printing stations, and coffee lounges.

The linear wood architecture features user-centric furniture pieces designed in line with Atelier du Pont’s comprehensive and site-specific approach and in collaboration with La Villette’s team. Spread across different workspaces of the pavilion, the furniture design offers distinct typologies of work cells and office separation fittings in three different sizes. To render soothing and aesthetic interiors, the designers crafted the chair and table designs in neutral colours.

The design team embodied various sustainable design strategies in the building to honour the park’s natural heritage and biodiversity. The flexible workspaces of Le Pavillon Jardins are bathed in natural light streaming from triple-glazed facades with projection blinds and roof overhangs. The pavilion, thereby allows abundant light without compromising on the building’s thermal comfort. Its green roof combined with the photovoltaic glass system contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and building temperature.

The studio’s official release reveals their inclination towards exploring "new ways of living, working, and relaxing to create sites that are well-suited to their purpose." Translating a similar perspective, Atelier du Pont has created a user-oriented and composed design for Gardens Pavilion with symmetrical geometry. This thoughtful approach ensures that the spaces are not only functional but also harmonious and adaptable to the varying needs of the programs.

Project Details

Name: Le Pavillon Jardins
Location: La Villette Park, Paris, France
Client: Etablissement Public du Parc et de la Grande Halle de la Villette (EPPGHV)
Floor Area: 3,000 square metres
Design firm: Atelier du Pont
Delegated project management: OPPIC (Operator of cultural heritage and real estate projects)
Design offices: EVP engineering (Structure), Delta Fluides (Fluids and Thermal), Plan 02 (Environmental engineering), Axio (Economist), AEU – Ecology Workshop Urbaine (Ecologist), Ginger Deleo (Asbestos removal, depollution, demolition), VP&Green (Facades), AcoustiqueVivié&Associés (Acoustician)
Year of completion: 2024