You know you've done something right, when a project that was meant to be temporary is loved so much by the users and client that it is given an extended lease of life. Such is the case of MOS Studio's School No. 3 (a.k.a. Petite École), a light outdoors structure that was built in Versailles, France on the occasion of the Inaugural Architecture and Landscape Biennial – Île-de-France this summer; yet it's increasing popularity meant that the client soon decided to keep it in place for a lot longer than originally thought, possibly over a year.
The project was originally commissioned as part of the 2019 Biennial of Versailles, and built in the courtyard of the Versailles ENSAV school of architecture. Conceived as a workshop, studio, lab, classroom, atelier and multi-functional space for education, Petite École was created quickly and efficiently, employing ingenious fabrication and construction methods.
The open-air structure was built using 825 aluminium pieces, which had been modelled, flattened, cut, folded, prefabricated, shipped, and then assembled on-site by just a few people in a few days. Modelled as if it was made by paper, light and easy, the clever design means that Petite École can be disassembled and reassembled anywhere, at any point. ‘The Petite École is a one-room, open-air design school for young children', explain MOS Studio directors, Hilary Sample and Michael Meredith. ‘It is a place for looking and making, and for making and looking'. ‘It looks familiar', continues the team. ‘It looks abstract. It is made of building elements: a long, low roof with columns and stacked beams holding it up. It is made of folded aluminium. It has a sign made of folded aluminium. It has furniture made of folded aluminium. It is meant to be looked at. It is meant to be inhabited'.
INFORMATION
-
Last chance to see: Sharjah Biennial 15, ‘Thinking Historically in the Present’Built on the vision of late curator Okwui Enwezor, the Sharjah Biennial 15: ‘Thinking Historically in the Present’ offers a critical reframing of postcolonial narratives through major new commissions
-
For London Gallery Weekend 2023, the mood is hardcore
With London Gallery Weekend 2023 almost upon us (2 – 4 June), here’s our list of must-see art exhibitions
-
Birkenstock celebrates its most memorable styles with colourful capsule (and matching socks)
Birkenstock marks the 40th, 50th and 60th anniversaries of the Gizeh, Arizona and Madrid sandals, respectively, with limited-edition versions
-
St Catharine’s College social hub in Cambridge reimagined by Gort Scott
Gort Scott's design for St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, gives a sensitive facelift to a much loved, bustling campus
-
Arthur Mamou-Mani: Can parametric architecture bring us closer to nature?
London-based French architect Arthur Mamou-Mani uses digital design and fabrication techniques to create temples of spirituality
-
Two Hands nursery by vPPR is where design flair meets sustainability
Two Hands nursery in London, designed by vPPR, mixes colourful interiors and sustainable architecture elements with wellbeing in mind
-
Wonderfruit 2022 balances art, culture, music and nature in Thailand
Wonderfruit 2022 featured a masterplan by Ab Rogers with pavilions and installations that blend art and culture, music and nature
-
Architectural pavilions: architects packing a big punch with small structures
Pavilions – whether permanent or transient – allow architects to experiment with materials, passions and concepts - here’s our ongoing pick of the best of the finest architectural pavilions across the globe...
-
Lina Ghotmeh will design the Serpentine Pavilion 2023
Lebanon-born, Paris-based Lina Ghotmeh is revealed as the architect to take on the Serpentine Pavilion 2023 commission in London
-
SANAA’s Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design is designed to connect with the heart of Jerusalem
SANAA and local studio HQ Architects design new home for Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem's city centre
-
Connected Rural Classroom reimagines learning space architecture
A collaboration between design studio Kurani and nonprofit Ed Farm reimagines learning spaces through virtual teaching with the Connected Rural Classroom
