The AZC Architectes studio, and the architect Michel Spitz, have collaborated in this project to design the national institute of territorial studies in France. Located at the intersection of the route du Rhin and the rue Edmond Michelet, the building respects the urban, functional and symbolic limitations of the program.
The building designed by AZC Architectes + Michel Spitz, is located at the junction of the route du Rhin and rue Edmond Michelet, which form the angle that characterize the building. In addition, this angle is used to mark the separation of the different functional spaces of the project, differentiation also given by the composition of building blocks.
 

Description of project by AZC Architectes + Michel Spitz

The project’s configuration takes into account the urban, functional, and symbolic constraints of the program: the constructed mass of the project distinguishes it at the angle formed by the route du Rhin and the rue Edmond Michelet.

Teaching areas extend horizontally around the inner courtyard, characterized by the large classrooms that attract large audiences, who as a result are required to move about in groups to the rhythm of the classroom schedule.

Just as in an actual school, this part of the building requires clear organization, strongly delineated points of reference, hallways and passageways of appropriate dimension, and a large amount of accessibility.

The second volume, consisting of four levels, hangs over the first and distinguishes our building on the city block’s angle. This section is dedicated exclusively to office functions. The characteristics of this “small tower” are generic for an office building: open and adaptable floor spaces, serviced by two enclosed staircases and two elevators.

We made sure that these two different volumes and scales combined successfully into a coherent urban whole, in which more domestic elements can be found: patio, terrace, open staircase.

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Architects
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AZC Architectes, Michel Spitz
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Collaborators
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Batiserf, BMF, L.Choulet, BT Paysage
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Area
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5,760 m²
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Dates
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2016
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Manufacturers
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Schindler, Sapa, Tarkett, SAB
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AZC Architectes is an architectural studio founded in 2001 by Irina Cristea and Grégoire Zündel based in Paris, France.

The studio was born out of the idea that the exploration of architecture and its techniques could help to improve the built environment. Their interest does not lie in the invention of concepts, they have always tried to realise buildings for real life needs.

Through competitions and direct commissions, the office has worked on more than a hundred projects of varied scales and uses. Most of its built projects are intended for a wider public; sports facilities, conference halls, office and residential buildings, some of which very specifically for vulnerable populations. They also have eight metro stations under construction, four of them in Paris and four in Rennes and studies for a new station in Lyon.

Most of their work has been published, exhibited, sometimes awarded and they have often been given the opportunity to speak on issues of sustainability, diversity and innovative techniques that illustrate all their commitments.

Irina Cristea, born in Bucharest, graduated from ENSA Strasbourg in 1995 and studied architecture at London South Bank University and Bucharest Ion Mincu institute.

Grégoire Zündel, born in Colmar, graduated from ENSA Strasbourg in 1995. He is a visiting professor at ENSA Strasbourg from 2004-2006.
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MSA - Michel Spitz Architectes. Created in Colmar under the name of JEMMING & SPITZ architects, since 2001 the office has been directed by Michel Spitz, architect of DPLG, professor of ENSAS Strasbourg, consultant of the Interministerial Mission for the Quality of Public Buildings. In 2012, he joined Nathalie Haas and Sébastien Muré.
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