Committed to the architectural quality of its developments and their environmental credentials, Bouygues Immobilier works only with professionals who share the same values. The architect responsible for the design of our Domaine de Beaumanière development talks about the challenges and successes of this partnership. Interview with Cédric Morel (44), architect and partner in the Unanime Architectes practice in Lyon, and Bouygues Immobilier design partner.
Expert opinion - 02 March 2009
- What is the job of the architect all about?
- Why did you make the decision to work with Bouygues Immobilier?
- You were the architect personally responsible for the Domaine de Beaumanière project, so could you tell us what it is that makes this development special?
- The development fits particularly well into its environment: was that a priority you?
- Would you say that the demands imposed by sustainability are always a central concern in your work?
- Which new schemes are you working on with Bouygues Immobilier?
- Unanime Architecte
What is the job of the architect all about?
« Architecture is all about making compromises. I create solutions that will make life comfortable and convenient for the future occupants of the homes I design. To achieve that, I have to reconcile the demands of my client with financial constraints, regulatory constraints and all the parameters involved in integrating the building into urban surroundings. In doing so, I naturally apply my design preferences and my professionalism as an architect. This process may involve me suggesting new layouts that modify the original specifications of my clients… so in this way, an architect is also a negotiator!
The fact that so many different people are involved in the design phase is part of what makes every project totally unique and designed to a tailor-made specification .»
Why did you make the decision to work with Bouygues Immobilier?
« Last year, we completed our first project with Bouygues Immobilier: the Domaine de Beaumanière development in Dardilly. We conducted the feasibility study required to identify the benefits and drawbacks of the site, and put forward suggestions for the layout of the development. Bouygues Immobilier then decided to appoint us as designers for the project, because we share the same vision and the same imperatives, particularly in terms of sustainability.
That partnership turned out to be very productive, so we decided to continue it into other projects, some of which are now underway. . »
That partnership turned out to be very productive, so we decided to continue it into other projects, some of which are now underway. . »
You were the architect personally responsible for the Domaine de Beaumanière project, so could you tell us what it is that makes this development special?
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« In my opinion, it's a very successful scheme. Primarily because it’s such a good site in an excellent setting at the heart of a traditional village. It is also a first-class location, and one that Bouygues Immobilier was very keen about. Building on such a site involves us in juggling many different constraints imposed by a variety of different parties, from the local council to the architect of Bâtiments de France (the French listed buildings authority). We therefore had to modify our original vision several times, and put forward a succession of different schemes. » |
The development fits particularly well into its environment: was that a priority you?
| « The issue of integration was a priority not only for us, but also for Bouygues Immobilier and the local council, which was very keen to retain the special features of the site. The use of wood and planted roofs reflects a conscious effort to connect the buildings with their environment. It was a long job, but the effort was certainly worth it, and the scheme won awards in the Visual and Sustainability categories of the most recent Pyramides d’Or competition run by the Fédération des Promoteurs Constructeurs (French Federation of Property Developers ). » |
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Would you say that the demands imposed by sustainability are always a central concern in your work?
« Sustainability is a non-negotiable criterion at Unanime Architectes, and something particularly important to me personally. Nearly 15 years ago, I won an architectural competition run by the local authorities on Tenerife and the island’s Renewable Energy Technologies Institute to design a series of detached ecohouses. My project resulted in the construction of an experimental energy self-sufficient house in the Canaries.
Sustainability has been a priority for me ever since, and it’s central to the work we’re doing with Bouygues Immobilier. The practice of seeking Habitat et Environnement certification for all its developments reflects Bouygues Immobilier’s genuine commitment to these issues. »
Sustainability has been a priority for me ever since, and it’s central to the work we’re doing with Bouygues Immobilier. The practice of seeking Habitat et Environnement certification for all its developments reflects Bouygues Immobilier’s genuine commitment to these issues. »
Which new schemes are you working on with Bouygues Immobilier?
«We have a project underway at Vénissieux in the Savoie region, where we have planning consent for a development of 54 apartments. Construction will soon begin on another project – also for around 50 homes – at Meyzieu, near Lyon. We are also working on a number of feasibility studies that may result in more projects… at least we hope so!»
Unanime Architecte
Formed in 1994, the Unanime practice is based in Lyon, and has offices in Aix-les-Bains, Paris and Manama (Bahrain).
Including the 6 architect partners, more than 25 people work in the practice on projects covering a broad range of applications, from residential to educational, industrial, commercial, healthcare laboratory and research.
Including the 6 architect partners, more than 25 people work in the practice on projects covering a broad range of applications, from residential to educational, industrial, commercial, healthcare laboratory and research.
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