Collège et lycée Voltaire

The Voltaire school complex, constructed in 1890, is in Paris’s 11th Arrondissement. The educational building design of the catering facilities, opening onto the sports courtyard, reconfigures access and introduces two steel canopies, while consolidating production kitchens in direct connection with the serving area. The design strategy of the educational architect enhances the existing fabric while ensuring the coherent integration of new façade interventions.

Two dining halls (192 and 168 seats) serve the cafeteria programme. Acoustic treatment of the building rehabilitation combines performance and architectural expression. The original structure is retained and expressed, notably the exposed steel floor system and existing decorative elements. A central suspended acoustic ceiling conceals services, while acoustic baffles integrated with lighting are suspended above the tables. Generous natural daylight penetrates the refectory spaces.

To improve operational efficiency and staff comfort, kitchen facilities are consolidated at ground-floor level, directly linked to the self-service area. Workspaces are largely glazed to ensure visual continuity and transparency. The educational architect rationalises circulation flows to optimise spatial efficiency and user movement. All access points to the Voltaire dining facility are reconfigured and redefined to improve legibility and functional performance.

The sports courtyard forms the main entrance to the dining halls. The intervention of the educational building design reorders the composition through two steel canopies. The first, a slender structure inspired by Jean Prouvé, marks the entrance and shelters a ramp and stepped seating for sports activities. The second canopy provides a covered exit for the restaurant. A third canopy covers the service yard and delivery zone. All are executed in grey lacquered steel and integrated into the courtyard’s functional layout.