Architectural Cases

The Les Fabriques School, designed by Brenac & Gonzalez & Associés in Marseille, stands as a beacon of contemporary educational architecture. Completed in 2025, this project redefines the traditional school environment, transforming it into an innovative space conducive to modern learning and community interaction. The architects' vision was to create a facility that not only meets the functional demands of education but also inspires creativity and fosters a sense of belonging among its users. The design seamlessly blends aesthetic appeal with practical functionality, incorporating sustainable elements and thoughtful spatial arrangements to maximize comfort and engagement. This school serves as a prime example of how architectural design can positively impact the educational experience, making learning a more dynamic and enjoyable process.

Brenac & Gonzalez & Associés embarked on the Les Fabriques School project with a clear objective: to construct a building that is both adaptable and integrated within its urban fabric. The location in Marseille provided a rich context for developing a structure that resonates with the city's vibrant culture and diverse community. The design process involved extensive research into pedagogical approaches and environmental sustainability, ensuring that the school would be a forward-thinking model for educational institutions. The result is a multi-story complex featuring expansive courtyards, flexible classrooms, and communal areas that encourage spontaneous learning and social interaction. Every aspect, from the material selection to the fenestration, was meticulously planned to optimize natural light and ventilation, reducing the school's ecological footprint while enhancing the indoor environment.

A notable aspect of Les Fabriques School is its emphasis on creating versatile spaces that can evolve with changing educational needs. Classrooms are not confined to rigid layouts but are designed to be reconfigured for various activities, from individual study to group projects and interactive workshops. The school also includes specialized facilities such as art studios, science labs, and a spacious library, all equipped with modern resources to support a comprehensive curriculum. The external areas are equally well-considered, featuring green spaces and playgrounds that offer opportunities for outdoor learning and recreation. These elements contribute to a holistic educational experience, where students can develop intellectually, socially, and physically within a stimulating environment.

The construction of Les Fabriques School showcases a commitment to sustainable building practices. The architects utilized locally sourced materials where possible, and integrated energy-efficient systems throughout the building. Rainwater harvesting and solar panels are among the features that contribute to the school's reduced energy consumption. The building's orientation and facade design were optimized to harness natural light and minimize heat gain, creating a comfortable interior climate while lowering operational costs. This eco-conscious approach not only provides a healthier learning environment but also educates students on the importance of sustainability and responsible resource management.

The Les Fabriques School in Marseille represents a significant advancement in educational facility design. It embodies a philosophy where architecture actively contributes to the learning process, creating stimulating, adaptable, and sustainable spaces for future generations. The project reflects a deep understanding of pedagogical principles and environmental responsibility, setting a new standard for modern school buildings.

Meganom, an architecture, urban design, and research firm based in Moscow, is nearing the final stages of its ambitious residential skyscraper at 262 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, New York City. This development, initiated in 2015 for Five Points Development, represents a collaborative effort with an international team including Norm Architects for interiors, SLCE Architects as the architect of record, and untitled architecture for architectural oversight. Standing at an impressive 860 feet across 52 floors, the tower houses 26 exclusive residential units within approximately 140,000 square feet, drawing its design philosophy from aeronautics to create apartments that function as elevated platforms framing expansive city vistas.

The structural and spatial layout of the building centers on a robust central spine that supports a series of modular floor units. These floors are anchored by a reinforced concrete core and two parallel walls aligned with Fifth Avenue's longitudinal axis, extending along Manhattan. By strategically positioning the core externally, separate from the main living areas, the design achieves spacious, unobstructed apartment interiors that offer sweeping panoramic views. This innovative approach eliminates internal vertical circulation within the units, facilitating open-plan layouts and adaptable living spaces.

From an engineering perspective, the tower incorporates several advanced strategies to manage its slender profile and considerable height. Six mechanical floors serve as outrigger levels, connecting to the off-center core to enhance lateral stiffness. Extensive wind tunnel testing, including aeroelastic studies, was conducted to refine wind performance, leading to the integration of features like a windbreak void and a damper on the uppermost mechanical floor, ensuring residents experience minimal movement. The high-strength concrete walls, fortified with 97 ksi high-yield rebar, gradually narrow as they ascend, optimizing structural efficiency while maximizing the interior habitable area.

The building's exterior and foundation further underscore its dedication to both performance and ambitious spatial design. The structure rests on Manhattan schist, a geological formation renowned for its strength, offering a bearing capacity of 40-60 tons per square foot—one of New York City's most robust ground conditions. The facade combines a curtain wall system on the north and south elevations with floor-to-ceiling glazing, featuring glass panels up to 20 feet high and 8.5 feet wide. The use of triple-glazed, low-iron glass with Low-E coatings, argon-filled cavities, and museum-quality lamination significantly boosts thermal insulation, acoustic performance, transparency, and interior protection.

Integrated mechanical systems and sustainable practices contribute to what the design team terms "invisible comfort." Hydronic radiant heating systems throughout the living spaces provide quiet, uniform warmth, enhancing air quality and energy efficiency. A micro-climate HVAC system supplies filtered and conditioned fresh air to each apartment hourly, tripling the requirements of New York City health codes, and utilizes energy recovery ventilation to minimize energy loss. Further sustainability initiatives include photovoltaic glass and adherence to Passive House principles, such as an airtight envelope, minimal thermal bridging, and high-performance glazing, all contributing to reduced heating and cooling demands and a lower carbon footprint.