Crèche de l’Europe

Sierre, Switzerland

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Crèche de l’Europe

Sierre, Switzerland

Firm

Giorla & Trautmann Architectes

Type

Educational › Elementary School
Government + Health ›
Landscape + Planning › Public Park

YEAR

2008

The «Crèche de l’Europe» forms part of a new ensemble inserted within
the urban fabric of Sierre, replacing an existing on-grade carpark. The new
construction consists of a kindergarten, a public park and underground carpark.

The programme of the crèche encompasses four different sectors: the
dining hall, the little-middle-big children, the nursery and toddlers, as well
as the after-school program.

In addition, there are further specific zones such as the paint and art
room, the kitchen, and the motor skills development and multimedia areas. These
elements are organised around a central space punctuated by three concrete
‘cubes’, which contain communal areas. These double-height volumes define the
core of the building, encouraging exchange and interaction and creating visual
links between the various groups who occupy the crèche. Indeed, these visual
links are maintained and privileged throughout the building: connections
between children, connections from one level to another, and connections across
and within the same level. A defining colour scheme identifies the various
sectors and contributes to the spatial diversity, enlivening the whole.

The external building envelope is white-tinted exposed concrete, while
the three communal ‘cubes’ are red-, orange- and yellow-tinted exposed
concrete. The recessed glazing, the overhangs and the framed ‘boxes’ which
punctuate the facade ensure a pleasant internal environment while at the same
time creating sheltered external spaces.