The project concerns the northern limits of the chemistry faculty, where three auditoriums are located. Our mission consists in the renovation of the Ourisson auditorium, as well as the replacement of three air handling units. The intervention aims to reduce the energy consumption for the students and staff, as well as improve the quality of the air. The architectural project has taken into account the existing qualities of the building, as well as the potential for adaptive reuse of the available material resources.
The existing building is stripped bare and treated for sanitary quality. The existing materials are expressive elements of the project and also act as support for new expression. The remarkable concrete structure is revealed, playing a major role in generating the characteristic architectural identity of the auditorium, activated by the regular rhythm of the sturdy concrete beams on the ceiling. The existing wooden furniture is reused as acoustic wall panelling, conferring volume and texture to the lateral walls. The new anthracite grey floor and deep black laminated furniture give a new perspective of the lower level of the auditorium, and contrast with the concrete and technical networks which animate the ceiling and higher parts of the room.