Arborescence apartment building,
design: WY-TO architects,
Crespy & Aumont Architectes
In 2017, the authorities of the city of Angers, located in western France, announced the "Imagine Angers" competition to solicit innovative urban designs for several locations in the city. In 2018, the winners were announced, including a project that is the result of a collaboration between local studio Crespy & Aumont Architectes and international office WY-TO architects, operating in Paris and Singapore.
Arborescence apartment building in Angers, France - bird's eye view
photo by Juan Cardona © WY-TO architects
integration of historical context
with modern urban space
The building was realized on a plot of land on Gambetta Street, located along the Maine River. The building sits on the border of a historic district and a modern urban space, allowing for a harmonious combination of tranquil riverside areas with a vibrant urban fabric.
The Arborescence apartment building in Angers, France - street side view
photo by Juan Cardona © WY-TO architects
Arborescence: a building inspired by nature
The lump of the building, like a tree, grows among concrete buildings. The building's very name, Arborescence, comes from the French word for tree or its structure, which is reflected in the architecture. At the ground and first floor levels, the building takes on a "C" shape.
Arborescence apartment building in Angers, France - second floor plan
© WY-TO architects
As the building rises, its structure changes, with the upper floors taking on a more organic form. The residential tower that emerges from this layout is distinguished by horizontal divisions that create balconies with soft, rounded edges.
Arborescence apartment building in Angers, France - fifth floor plan
© WY-TO architects
biophilic architecture:
harmony of nature and man
Biophilic design, which harmoniously blends the natural environment with man-made spaces, became the basis for the project. The term "biophilia" literally means "love of nature," which emphasizes the essence of design, which involves the integration of natural elements to improve the quality of life. A key tenet of this design is the introduction of nature into people's everyday surroundings, not only for aesthetic reasons, but more importantly for the health and psychological benefits that result. Studies show that the presence of nature in our surroundings helps lower stress levels, improves overall well-being, and promotes creativity and efficiency. Inspired by the "garden city" vibe of Singapore, the architects placed vegetation on all levels of the building.
Arborescence apartment building in Angers, France - view from the central garden
photo by Juan Cardona © WY-TO architects
bioclimatic solutions
The proper orientation of the building allows for optimal illumination of each apartment, providing access to natural light. Terraces and views of the surrounding greenery promote the well-being of residents, influencing stress reduction. The south elevation provides sufficient sunlight in winter, while balconies protect interiors from excessive sunlight in summer. Vegetation in the area around the building enhances the cooling effect, while the layout of the apartments supports natural ventilation, improving thermal comfort indoors.
The Arborescence apartment building in Angers, France - a view of the building's organic facade
photo by Svend Andersen © WY-TO architects
spaces conducive to resident integration
The well-thought-out organization of the spaces is designed to integrate different functions and age groups, creating a harmonious whole that is conducive to both individual needs and shared spaces. A nursery is located on the first floor. The space from the first to the fifth floor has been arranged as a residence for seniors "Ovelia," offering dedicated conditions for comfortable living for the elderly. The upper floors, from the sixth to the eleventh floor, are designed for 29 apartments, which vary in layout and functionality to meet the needs of different user groups.
Arborescence apartment building in Angers, France - cross-section of the block
© WY-TO architects
In addition, there are three cottages within the complex that offer more intimate housing solutions, providing an alternative to the apartments in the main building. A rooftop terrace offers space for relaxation. The use of vegetation on the roof not only enriches the aesthetics, but also affects the microclimate, improving air quality and providing residents with a place to relax outdoors. The centerpiece of Arborescence is a green courtyard garden, which acts as the heart of theapartment building.
Arborescence apartment building in Angers, France - view of the building's green terraces
photo by Juan Cardona © WY-TO architects
integrating nature with urban space:
wood and greenery in architecture
The combination of wood and vegetation offers an alternative to typical concrete urban development, bringing elements of nature into the space. The use of locally sourced materials in the design allows the architecture to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Wood, as a natural material, not only contributes to the aesthetics of the building, but also fits in with the idea of sustainable development by using locally sourced raw materials.
Arborescence apartment building in Angers, France - view from the street
photo by Juan Cardona © WY-TO architects
In turn, the presence of vegetation creates a space that is not only a decorative element, but also improves the quality of the environment by introducing greenery into the urban context. This approach allows the creation of a harmonious combination of modern architecture and nature, responding to the growing need for a balance between the city and nature.
Arborescence apartment building in Angers, France - indoor garden
photo by Svend Andersen © WY-TO architects
Respecting Angers' historic heritage, Arborescence integrates natural elements with urban development, offering modern solutions in the context of specific social and urban needs. This architecture not only emphasizes sustainability, but also responds to the challenges of modern cities, promoting a dialogue between history and the future, nature and the city.
Elaborated: Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of WY-TO architects.
