The
new multidisciplinary research centre, Paris PARC, located between Jean
Nouvel’s Institut du Monde Arabe and the open green park of the Jussieu Campus
will become a significant addition to the campus, strengthening the
international appeal and openness of the leading French University for Science
and Medicine. The facility will bring together academic scholars and the business
community, while re-connecting the university physically and visually with the
city of Paris. Paris
PARC is located in the visual axis of the Notre Dame Cathedral in a dense
context of university buildings from different historical periods. BIG proposes
a building geometry that adapts to the specific conditions of all adjoining
sides, optimized for daylight, views and accessibility. The three-dimensional
envelope retracts from the neighboring facades, opens up towards the square of
Institut du Monde Arabe and the park, and folds into a publicly accessible
rooftop landscape, resulting in an adapted sculptural building volume situated
between the emblematic architectural monuments of the university.