Contemporary design unites two French schools in historical town

This project in Gisors, France, recently unified two adjacent institutions, the Louise Michel and Louis Aragon high schools, into a dually modern and historic construction.

The architects at archi5 had a vision of merging the schools to facilitate educational accessibility and the flow of traffic, yet they also wished to preserve the historically medieval and currently rural roots of the town.

The highlight of this structure is the bridge joining the previously separated buildings. This formation houses all of the amenities of student life, including classrooms and study halls. Glass panel windows invite warmth and light into rooms of clean and simple wooden accents. The interior of the student areas is also an enchanting sight. High peaks found on the gymnasium roof provide a funky, asymmetrical design to the immense open space. Roomy classrooms provide a peaceful respite from the energy of the gym for students and administration alike.

The joining of the buildings also serves as a symbolic connection between student life and faculty needs. A nearby plaza is a place for mingling and the playgrounds for each school can be accessed by the bridge, ensuring a sense of connection between all 1500 school attendees. The new Louise Michel and Louis Aragon high schools’ design is both a stunning update and a mindful link to the city’s past.