Institute of molecular sciences, Orsay

The open city-block: this architectural project is above all about urbanism, built around a public space. This open block creates a porosity through the buildings that encourages exchange between researchers and a ‘community atmosphere’.

The project concept rests on its interiority; it looks out onto its forest surroundings at the same time as being a private place, a place for reflection – quiet and tranquil. The project provides a variety of spaces and atmospheres.Outside, the building carefully fits into the regular urban grid of the university campus. Inside, a domestic, community scale has been established.

The project is designed to favour communication between research disciplines, to allow a transversal approach and a sharing of resources. It is a flexible tool, able to adapt to new configurations of working groups or technological developments. And it is careful to preserve the autonomy of each research team by ensuring that each individual has a quiet and protected working environment.