MENTION ENJOYING
Espace Jeunesse Guy Môquet Cabestany , France
by OECO Architectes
The Guy Môquet youth center features 1700 m ² including a leisure centre , a dance studio and collective housing for associations visiting the area or artists in residence , for example . Cabestany town council ’ s ambition was to create an attractive building to host young children and teenagers during school holidays . The different entities had to be connected but also needed to function independently .
OECO Architectes agency has imagined a volumetry which superimposes the programmes thanks to half-levels visible from the central atrium . Easily recognizable by its multiple concrete facets , without being too demonstrative , this structural and monolithic “ stylish rock ” is the new landmark of the city entrance , which has been somewhat neglected until now .
Multiple openings let natural light in , according to needs and uses .
■ The dance hall benefits from northern light through a GEODE curtain wall more than 6 m wide and 3 m high . Thin aluminium profiles split this large frame into three , like a triptych praising the surrounding landscape . An XXL AMBIAL folding door , with almost identical dimensions , echoes this glass wall . Children and teachers can enjoy the terrace , which opens completely as soon as the first rays of sunshine appear .
■ The leisure centre is spread over the three lower half levels . It is an open space around a hall , which can be easily rearranged according to the activities with the help of removable partitions . It is fitted with large 3.20 m high SOLEAL fixed units / doors .
The accommodation on the ground and third floors has 6 dormitories with SOLEAL tilt-and-turn windows to facilitate ventilation . The common area has an 11m wide glazed unit , consisting of two large sliding windows , fixed frames and a SOLEAL door . It allows the occupants to enjoy the terrace on the top level , which overlooks and contemplates the Canigou mountain in the distance .
OECO Architects agency chose TECHNAL aluminium joinery because of its slim mass views , which blend in with the concrete used for the envelope . Their natural anodised aluminium appearance blends delicately with the beige concrete colour and the wooden underside . Materials are raw , robust and sustainable .
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