PNC - Ateliers O-S architectes

The project is a 2000sqm interior design in an existing building in west Paris. The program consists of two separate entities: a public services facility and a police station. The building is part of an extensive program of urban development for the district. The aim is to provide a unifying public building to create links with the residents. To generate a unified and comprehensive project, we worked on both entities with similar tools: simple volumes and crystal clear schemes.

Our design has been driven by the following ideas / principles:
- An easy-to-read organization in order to make life easier for visitors and workers alike. - Focus architectural design on circulation spaces.
- Natural light for every office
- Bring in as much natural light as possible
- In order to make up for the lack of space, maximize flexibility of space.
- Focus on quality materials and their implementation.
- Create clear and visible signage

The existing building is characterized by its thickness and its large variety of ceiling heights. The low ceilings’ edges contrast with the double-height ceiling of the center which benefits from a large amount of natural light. The low ceiling spaces are perfectly suited to the confidentiality and intimacy required for the offices of the police station. A large meeting room for public utilities fills the heart of the building to assure greater flexibility.

In between the vibrant center and the more intimate surrounding office-space, a free-moving gallery structures and organizes the project. Below eye-level, a horizontal line distinguishes the lower and upper parts. The system changes according to the program: in the police station, to prevent direct views in, the lower part is translucent and the upper part is opaque. Conversely, in the public utilities room, the opaque part is below eye-level while the top part is opalescent thus allowing the light penetrates right into the center of the building.

The design of the gallery is easily recognizable thanks to its white and grey materials: resin and integrated surface coated concrete. The public room is lined with wooden furniture and has a warm, wooden floor. The qualities of the existing structure have been highlighted.

Schedule: June 2013
Budget: 1 990 000 €
Surface: 2 058 m²