Nursery School - Bércy

Thus the main issues were how to close off this square; how to combat the high buildings that were in the offing in the Development Area, and particularly how to give a presence to this spot that might establish an 'osmosis' between the square and the Development Area.

A separate building know as 'the adults building', containing the head teachers office and living quarters, the caretakers living quarters, and the reception room for the parents, was detached out in the square. This building was deliberately endowed with an imposing character to restore the balance in the square visávis the church and the barracks. Then, behind it, a second building, called 'the children's building' was created, which is less heavy and dark, and houses the classroom, the playrooms and the dining room. Finally, the playground feel naturally into place at the back end of the site.

To lend more power to the whole, given the urban context, the buildings were sunk by half a level into the ground, clearing out light wells around the edge. A sense of rising was asserted which adds to the building's presence. Starting from the entrance, one can either go down half a level towards the world of games & very free-following and flexible- and the dining room, or go up a half a level to reach the heart of the building, i.e. a large glass-covered pathway with a glass-paved floor to provide light for the lower level.