The Centre International du Design is an new institution for
Communication, Research and Education in Design. The project is situated
on the listed historic site of the National Arms Manufacture in St.
Etienne. It involves the renovation of historic buildings and gardens,
as well as the integration of a new hall for exibitions, public events
and a library.The modularity of the triangular panels that compose
the facade of the Platine allows integrating easily in a coherent system
energy production elements such as photovoltaic panels. 120 m? of the
surface is dedicated to experimentation panels, which can evolve or be
replaced according to the evolutions of technologies. Nowadays, these
are photosynthesis panels. The climatic concept of the Cit? du Design?s
Platine is translated on the building?s envelop, composed of twelve type
of panels interacting with the spaces that they cover. They to ensure
their divers need such as ventilation, light, electricity production.
The under layer of the building is occupied by a earth cooling tube, a
geothermic system completes the device.