Hotel Living?

The complex is an elegant slice leaving the city structure while flowing into the natural park fulfilling its architectural purpose as a scenic sculpture. As a double-storey hall, a “Rue intérieure” follows the curved geometry of the building and defines the inner structure with its compartments aligned to the back.

Over the years traditional accommodation has lost its meaning as a permanent home for the family. In view of the increased demand for temporary living space for one- to two-person households, it is necessary to develop a new architectural approach beyond the conventional 3- to 4-room apartment. This alternative housing type consists of small flats equipped with a shared service zone. As well as individuality and private areas, the apartment provides comfort while at the same time, the secluded public areas offer residents the opportunity to rendezvous. In addition, there is a high demand for 1- to 1.5-room apartments due to the fact that this size has not been constructed since well before the turn of the century. In the 1950‘s and 1980‘s, small flats were built almost exclusively for people with limited incomes. At present, these generally lower standard apartments are barely profitable to let. The alternative accommodation required by this project is not new by any means. Community housing, boarding houses, retirement communities, dormitories and hotels offer architectural answers. In comparison to the already existing dwellings, the new form of housing should appeal to all age groups. Through the intelligent arrangement of space and structure, the building appeals to many different lifestyles and ensures an attractive mix of residents. The rearrangement and the adaption of existing housing-typologies are necessary steps to develop social housing in Europe.