By Marina Correa
Photography: Philippe Ruault; courtesy the
architects
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The Giraffe Childcare Centre designed by Hondelatte
Laporte Architects introduces a dollop of fantasy into the routine lives of suburban
Parisian townsfolk…
Niched between a towering structure, next to a
neighbourhood built in the 70s and a newly constructed area, it was imperative
that the healthcare centre did not ‘get lost’ within the urban landscape –
hence the building is composed of three tiers and each is identified by a
unique concrete animal sculpture.
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The facades of the building are made out of
white corrugated iron that provides a minimal background to the animal
sculptures.
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Interestingly, each of the south-facing
playgrounds is in continuity with the interior spaces; while the urban
landscape is animated using a child’s imagination. The wild animal sculptures appropriate
a space: a giraffe appears to be peacefully eating the leaves of the trees from
the neighbouring park; a polar bear tries to clamber up the steps,
while a family of ladybirds climbs the façade in an attempt to reach the
interior patio.
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Architecture turns into storytelling. The
building changes its identity and becomes a landscape in its own right; a
metaphor for the urban jungle. The animals and the trees link the building to
nature and motion.
Besides infusing a playful and poetic element,
this building has also been awarded a green, zero energy efficiency label,
making it not just aesthetically appeasing but also one that respects its
environment.
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Becoming a prominent landmark for the nursery,
the affable animal forms transport us to a make-believe world. When pondered
upon, definitely a project that goes way beyond the surface to attribute human
characteristics and ethos to the emotional, functional routine of a child
daycare centre.
hay,
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ReplyDeletehave to say its a really fantastic post. just for the kind information we also provide the seasoned Architects and Designers in Gurgaon ,India. We genuinely appreciate your post. A huge thanks for this.