New’r, Zac Euronantes
Harmonic + Masson & Associés have proposed a this apartment building for the EuroNantes neighbourhood, in Nantes, France. The project is characterized by a standard plan-shape from which some sections are removed as it is repeated throughout the floors. Thus is created the most interesting aspect of this building, the multiple terraces that contain gardens, greenhouses and spaces for relaxing.
photography by© Takuji Shimmura
Ever since Corbusier and his Unité d’Habitation, the rooftop has been regarded as having the possibility for holding such uses. Given the fact that the apartment building generally limits the area allotted to each individual, the most physical and outdoor-related needs, such as exercising, relaxing in the sun or planting have many times been placed in rooftops. In this case, the architects have placed such uses in several terraces, including a couple placed on the very top of the building.
In this case, the architect’s state that the reason for their option to build in height were the creative possibilities that it entails. They wanted to provide the inhabitants with the great panoramic views that only a tall building can provide, while at the same time designing diversified spaces that are amplified by their placement “in the skies”. In their words, this is a landscaped building.
photography by © Takuji Shimmura
The outward aspect of the building is characterized by sinuous curves, reflecting on one hand the inherent shape of the plans of each floor, as well as the plastic accentuation provided for by the balconies that surround all floors. The amount of greenery included in this project is worthy of mention. The aforementioned balconies also have, in the project, plentiful vegetation.
It is an apartment building that provides its inhabitants with ample views towards EuroNantes, wide balconies, and above all, valuable terraces. This is accomplished through a clear architectural gesture: that of piling up floor after floor, while removing from time to time a section of that same floor, creating the terraces.
If one measured the architectural quality of residential buildings by the amount of amenities that it provides for its inhabitants, then this building seems to be quite good.
photography by© Takuji Shimmura
