The environments we create are not merely functional—they are expressions of what we stand for and the people we choose to include. This narrative takes on a deeper significance in France, a nation touted for its progressive stance on inclusivity. From the sweeping reforms of the 2005 Disability Act to urban design initiatives that seamlessly integrate accessible design into the public realm, the country has long led the charge in designing cities for all. This commitment finds a poignant expression in the evolving precincts of Villejuif where the Lozaits-Seguin Work Assistance Establishment and Services (ESAT) represents empowerment; a blend of architecture and empathy designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. Conceived by Paris-based architecture and design studio DREAM, the 3,570 sqm social design facility uplifts, nurtures and provides a sense of belonging to over 150 individuals with disabilities.

Situated within an urban policy district as part of the Grand Orly Seine Bièvre, the ESAT stands in tandem with the northern redevelopment of the Lozaits area under the territorial public establishment’s New Urban Renewal Program (NPNRU). The wood workshops are surrounded by verdant parklands with century-old trees and native species honouring the site’s natural legacy while envisioning a forward-thinking urban future. The institutional architecture project emerges as a riveting counterpoint to the concrete monotony of its surroundings, a covenant to DREAM’s philosophy of crafting with nature.

French architecture challenges traditional notions of institutional design, emphasising the psychosomatic benefits of exposed wood. “The spaces with visible natural wood increase the capacity of concentration or recuperation, creating an atmosphere of well-being,” the design team tells STIR. ESAT’s timber façade design silhouetted against the neighbourhood skyline endorses a palpable connection to the environment. The innate grains of wood softens the visual impact of the social architecture project while its earthy tones cultivate an ambience of calm and reassurance, reflecting its commitment to creating an inclusive environment.

“To meet the needs of a sensitive public, the architectural design focuses on the ergonomics of the spaces to promote mental well-being,” the French architects proclaim in an official statement. The timber construction hosts distinctive spaces curated to foster interaction and accessibility. The corridors, taking the form of hanging bridges, connect social spaces to the workshops while replacing rigid passageways with blind walls in favour of openness and transparency. Meanwhile, the multi-functional and evolving workshops feature adaptable ceiling heights catering to diverse activities and wall enclosures offering a subtle sense of focus and security. A meticulous attention to acoustics, often overlooked in well-being design, is addressed with wood fibre coatings that enhance thermal and auditory comfort.

The logistic spaces, with their hybrid-covered zones, act as nodes of movement and serendipitous encounters; a subtle nod to the human need for connection. The cafeteria and offices, on the other hand, continue the overarching theme of adaptability with modular furniture designs that balance functionality and aesthetic coherence.

The redevelopment project’s alignment of form and function reflects a commitment to ecological and social sustainability. The timber architecture reduces the environmental footprint and crafts expansive spaces filled with natural light to promote collaboration and concentration. Enhancing the sustainable design vision, the versatile shed roofs are thoughtfully designed to channel north light to mitigate summer overheating while maximising energy efficiency.

Reflecting its solidarity-based ethos, Lozaits-Seguin ESAT coalesces inclusivity, sustainability and aesthetics to create a space where design becomes a medium of empowerment. “We aimed to spark a revolution in how we approach design, stepping away from the all-concrete structures while embracing vernacular materials like wood, stone, and earth. We also convinced the client to forego air conditioning by proposing a design that naturally cools spaces during the peak of summer,” the design team iterates. As user feedback suggests, the facility’s embrace of exposed wood and thoughtful ergonomics fosters a sense of well-being among its inhabitants. Perhaps the real triumph of the ESAT is its ability to remind one that architecture is not about structures but about stories of belonging, resilience and shared humanity.

Project Details
Name: Lozaits-Seguin Work Assistance Establishment and Services (ESAT)
Location: Lozaits District, Villejuif (94), France
Architect: DREAM
Project Manager: Batigère
DREAM Team: Julien De Speville, Claire Parrotin (project leaders), and Théo Diverrès
Design Team: Bollinger+Grohmann / LMP Conseils / Now Here Studio / Sinteo / VPEAS
Contractors: SICRA / Elio (wood cladding) / Arbonis (wood structure)
Area: 3,570 sqm
Year of Completion: 2023