Paris student housing project overview

GECINA, the project owner, has commissioned MARS architects to build the Lourmel student residence, set to be completed in 2025. The project will include 89 student housing units spread over 2,100 square meters, with a construction cost of 8.3 million euros before tax.

Location and historical context

The existing student residence, originally built in the 1960s, is located in an area of Paris that experimented with large-scale housing designs different from the classic Haussmannian style. The site is surrounded by several streets and is near the André Citroën park and the new Boucicaut eco-district.

Design approach and spatial strategy

The new Lourmel student residence is built within the footprint of a former parking ramp. The design includes a lower, more fragmented structure that fits between the existing buildings without competing with them. This approach addresses strict urban regulations and sightline requirements while allowing for better views and spatial relationships with the surroundings.

Aesthetic and functional contrasts

The fragmented design of the project reflects a focus on habitability, turning constraints into spatial quality. The use of color adds visual distinction to the otherwise uniform environment. This differentiation helps highlight the diversity of the building's relationship with the urban fabric, setbacks, and the surrounding garden.

Landscape and communal improvements

Beyond the new building, the project requalifies the courtyard and green spaces of the existing residence, which were previously poorly designed. Landscape architects have redesigned the central green area, redefining pathways, plantings, and surfaces to be more permeable. Child play areas have also been added, enhancing the living environment for residents beyond just student housing.

Integration into the urban landscape

Lourmel serves as an intermediate architectural and landscaped element that introduces a more human scale to an area marked by large, repetitive structures. The project transforms the site into a more lively and accessible space, improving the overall quality of life for the residents of the entire residential complex.