Labo(r)coop: Bridging Theory and Practice

The project addresses disparities in architectural education and practice by creating a hub for experiential learning and collaboration. Situated at the Coop, on the French-German border, it fosters cross-cultural exchange. The project revitalizes a historic industrial building, adding a contemporary extension and workshop space. It promotes knowledge sharing, experimentation, and innovation within the "Deux Rives" development. The project's central question explores how to reimagine architectural education and practice to promote experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The project encompasses three key interventions: the rehabilitation of the historic Sérigraphie building, the construction of a contemporary extension (Le Labo), and the creation of a flexible workshop space (La Halle). La Sérigraphie's historic character is preserved and adapted for modern use. The existing building is renovated to preserve its identity: big open spaces (M) highlighting its mushroom-like structure, regular facade openings, and raw aesthetic. This restoration forms the project's core. Le Labo, a new five-story wooden extension will be built, physically and visually connected to the Sérigraphie. It will bridge over the small Sérigraphie structure (whose roof will be removed) and offer a range of enclosed flexible spaces (S), respecting the existing building's structural grid. This extension, primarily constructed from bio-sourced wood, will contrast with the original building. A hybrid wood-concrete structure will be constructed north of the Project on a currently unoccupied plot. Connected to the Sérigraphie via a concrete walkway, la Halle will provide generous spaces (L) for large-scale experimentation (1:1 scale), an auditorium, and workshops. The Hall is divided into four distinct areas: an interior work hall, an exterior work hall, an auditorium, and workshops. These three interventions—renovation, extension, and new construction—are designed as a unified whole, connected through harmonious transitions and a shared design language. The design approach emphasizes extending the existing structures, revealing their potential, and completing a cohesive vision. They create a diverse range of spaces that meet the spatial, material, and functional needs of the Labo(r)coop project, transforming the site into a dynamic hub for innovation.