IDC < dormir au fil de l'eau > final student project - june 2005 - prof. lambertus van bunningen


The „Ile des Cygnes“ is a long and narrow man-made island in the Seine river in Paris. Dense trees line the avenue that runs along its center line. Three bridges connect the island to the city of Paris.

A concept design was sought for a hostel for young travellers to be built on the island. The design should reflect, in its spaces and its atmosphere, the attitude and life style of its adolescent guests. It should also respect the character of the island as an established local recreational area.

My design, an ensemble of individual dwellings placed along the avenue like pearls on a string, embraces both of these characteristics: like a village, the hotel gently integrates itself into the island, adding new spaces and reshaping existing ones, yet maintaining the structural unity of the island. On the other hand, the subdivision into small units conveniently accommodates for the broad spectrum of needs of the young traveller: large, comfortable and functional social rooms and facilities common to all guests are complemented by a variety of different bedrooms. The overnight rate would be determined by the degree of privacy the room offers more than by its size or level of comfort.

nominated for EAP 2005 --> www.eap-pea.org!!!