cité des sciences

The overall concept of the natural sciences cluster founded by the “Maisons des Sciences de la Vie, de l’Environnement et des Matériaux” (Houses of Sciences, Environment and Materials), is based on a variety of activities, an urban transparency and the need for flexibility due to the evolving nature of lab research in various scientific fields. This concept sets out the broad architectural parameters that each building must meet, in order to create true unity in diversity. The simple right-angled shape of the Maison des Matériaux II, together with the Maison de l’Environnement I and II, define the northern front of the University Square. Two large openings are used to create a passage for pedestrians between the road, the inner courtyard and the future projects expected to be developed north of the plot. The Maison des Matériaux II is directly connected to the Maison des Matériaux I, with which it forms an S-shaped volume. In the first construction phase this block is described as «bâtiment laboratoires – aile Nord / aile Sud» (laboratory building – north wing / south wing).