In a residential neighborhood, but on a plot of land that had not yet been developed, it was decided to build a new large-scale shopping center. This shopping center includes a supermarket, a restaurant, and a retail gallery of about ten units. The project has the distinctive feature of being complemented by a mixed-use program comprising a fitness center, a daycare, and 67 housing units. Each of these functions has separate entrances that can operate independently of the shopping center.
The base volume onto which this mixed-use program is grafted is that of the shopping center. Cubic in shape, it serves as a plinth for the entire project. The main entrance to the shopping center, placed on the corner, is set back from the street to create a forecourt, and rises to a great height. The façade alternates glazed elements with a concrete cladding. Deliveries take place through a covered access to limit disturbances. The roof is planted, both for ecological reasons and for visual reasons benefiting the housing units.
The fitness center's volume highlights the shopping center's entrance. Its long glazed façade creates activity as seen from the street, avoiding the blank façade typically found on shopping centers.
The housing units, developed over three floors above the commercial plinth, are arranged in an L-shape along two sides of the main volume. They are accessed via exterior walkways, which avoids too many corridors and allows the design to maintain a small scale, even along a long façade. In time, these walkways could become places for living and gathering, or even outdoor living spaces for residents. All the apartments, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, are dual-aspect and have a terrace. Their interior volumes, more generous than usual standards, enhance everyday comfort. They are delivered fitted with a kitchen and closets.
In the basement, a large parking area serves all the functions present in this new building.
By working in this way, the urban scale is respected and a connection with the existing urban fabric is created. Seen from the street, the identity of the housing units, the daycare, and the fitness center predominates, allowing the imposing volume of the shopping center to be concealed and ensuring its urban integration.