French architectural studio Atelier du Pont has unveiled its latest project, Pavilion Jardins, an office building situated within the renowned Parc de la Villette in Paris. This new structure, covering 3,000 square meters, is designed to replace a group of nine deteriorated prefabricated buildings previously used by the park’s operational teams. 

The Parc de la Villette, master planned by Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi in 1982, is celebrated for its innovative deconstructivist design and its distinct 35 bright-red follies scattered throughout the landscape. Atelier du Pont’s design for Pavilion Jardins draws inspiration from both the park’s natural environment and the grid system that organizes the follies. 

The building features an exposed timber frame, framed in a large-scale grid that creates a “woodland atmosphere” within its interiors. The architectural approach aims to integrate the pavilion seamlessly into the park’s historical and natural context, providing a sense of immersion in the surrounding landscape. 

The Pavilion Jardins is organized over two floors around a central atrium, which is illuminated by a substantial glazed section in the grass-topped roof. This design choice allows natural light to filter through the gridded timber ceiling, enhancing the building’s connection to nature. A stepped seating area within the atrium serves as a social hub, while adjacent workspaces offer expansive views of the park through the fully-glazed facade. 

The studio emphasized that the wooden construction was a deliberate choice, aligning with the site’s sensitivity and its natural environment. “Wooden construction was an obvious choice because of its direct relationship with nature and the ease with which it can be used on very sensitive sites,” Atelier du Pont explained. 

Inside, the office spaces are adaptable, featuring a series of “micro-architectures” such as private work cells, movable “wagon cells,” and flexible partitions. These elements are designed to allow for easy reconfiguration while maintaining openness and abundant natural light. Some of these micro-architectures were constructed using recycled materials from past exhibitions at La Villette. 

Atelier du Pont’s design not only respects the historical context of the Parc de la Villette but also provides a modern, flexible workspace that enhances the connection between its users and the natural surroundings. The project exemplifies how contemporary architecture can harmonize with and elevate existing historical landscapes. 

Read More: https://homendecormagazine.com/