Educational Ensemble in Lyon by Vurpas Architectes

In Lyon, Vurpas Architectes have transformed an old market hall into an elementary school with its own day-care centre. The old commercial building is now a place of education built of concrete, brick and wood in a child-friendly environment. 

From industrial area to residential district

Under the title La Confluence, a former industrial area is developing into a new residential district in the middle of the French city. Part of this urban renewal project is the repurposing of an existing 1960s-era building where goods were once sold. On its long sides, the building opens to the outdoors; striking canopies served the salespeople as a sheltered loading zone. 

Preserving and expanding the existing structure

The planning team have renovated and expanded this hall; moreover, they have transformed the former logistics centre into a school complex. To a great extent both the prefabricated, strict grid of the concrete construction and the characteristic roof, which is slightly vaulted, have been preserved. While bricks complete the exterior façades, to the north a new addition rounds out the ensemble. Altogether, the two tracts create an L-shaped floor plan and span a recess yard with a playground. To the east, a sunken courtyard makes it possible to use the lower level of the existing structure by exposing the basement level and allowing daylight to enter it. 

Versatile spatial program

The Eugénie Brazier education ensemble comprises a day-care centre with space for 45 children and a primary and elementary school with 15 classes. Teaching and group rooms are accommodated over three levels of the revitalized market hall and are characterised by direct connections to the outdoors. Generous outdoor areas and communal zones as well as a cafeteria, a gym and a rooftop sports field complete the program, which can also be used by clubs and local residents. 

A child-friendly learning space

Inside as well, the architects have turned the industrial concrete building into a bright, inviting school complex with its own day-care centre. Wood surfaces and large windows create a pleasant ambience.