Ardeko

In 2009, Baumschlager Eberle won the competition for the development of a site on the Avenue Emile Zola.

The novelist’s name reflects the aim: to perpetuate the late 19th century city. A block perimeter development with inner courtyards has been selected to generate a classical urban feel.

How have Baumschlager Eberle addressed this familiar motif? The characteristic features of the new development are density and transparency. The site is to be developed along modular lines with a strong impact being achieved by the height of the buildings. Three offices blocks are to be erected here.

The slender proportions of the southernmost block at the corner of Rue Marcel Bontemps create the impression of a tower, while the other buildings with their stepped upper levels are a pointer to the depth of the avenue.

The buildings are connected by bridges with air space above them, thereby creating incisions in the elevation of the ensemble that underline the sculptural feel of the architecture. This taking-up and leaving-open effect is achieved at the ground floor level in the form of two gateway situations that draw attention to the common inner courtyard. Here the high density along the road pays off for the occupants of the ensemble in that they benefit from the largely uncluttered green area.

Talking of benefit, above the imposing entrance areas there are multi-purpose office spaces spanning the facades and the access cores. The working environments here can be developed or adapted to meet the needs of a service economy.

High efficient façade

Water-saving sanitary appliances

Sustainable building materials

Low-emitting materials and finishes