Pôle géosciences IGN et Météo-France

The co-location of the Institut géographique national and Météo-France, led by the Ministry of Ecological Transition, offers an opportunity for an exemplary project in terms of environmental performance and user comfort. The research architect is responsible for the refurbishment and extension of one of the existing buildings, in coherence with the adjacent new construction. The campus architect adopts a strategy of sustainable functional and spatial optimisation through the reuse and enhancement of the existing structure.

The ministry’s initial brief proposed a series of built volumes organized around internal patios. In response, the campus architect proposed a single, more compact building, releasing space for a landscaped garden. The Garden of Dunes and Winds unfolds as a triangular landscape inserted between the two timber and glass buildings. The research architect structured the pathways, stairways and social spaces articulated through large geometric planters that shape the site’s topography. The garden supports rest, informal dining, work on the panoramic terrace, and meetings or private uses through a range of seating configurations.

In line with the Ministry’s environmental objectives, the research architect integrates several low-carbon and energy-efficient systems, including natural ventilation strategies, thermal chimneys, geothermal energy and rooftop photovoltaic panels.

In line with the Ministry’s environmental objectives, the research architect integrates several low-carbon and energy-efficient systems, including natural ventilation strategies, thermal chimneys, geothermal energy and rooftop photovoltaic panels.