Architectural Cases

Innovative Engineering Education Hub in Besançon, France

The Franche-Comté Advanced School of Engineering stands as a beacon of modern educational architecture in Besançon, France, a testament to innovative design by Dominique Coulon & associés. Completed in 2024, this sprawling 2105 square meter facility is meticulously crafted to foster an environment conducive to advanced learning and research in engineering. Its design thoughtfully integrates functional spaces, including a versatile hall that can transform from a lecture theater to a conference venue, alongside numerous classrooms and specialized laboratories, emphasizing a dynamic and adaptable learning landscape.

The architectural vision behind the school prioritizes both aesthetic appeal and practical utility, with a prominent use of concrete that contributes to its robust and contemporary character. Beyond the academic spaces, the building incorporates dedicated areas for student interaction and administrative operations, ensuring a holistic campus experience. This project not only signifies a significant addition to higher education infrastructure in France but also exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to designing institutions that meet the evolving demands of engineering pedagogy and technological advancement.

Architectural Vision and Functional Design

The Franche-Comté Advanced School of Engineering, a recent achievement by Dominique Coulon & associés in Besançon, France, showcases a profound understanding of contemporary educational needs. The design philosophy centers on creating highly adaptable and inspiring spaces that facilitate diverse learning modalities. With a total area of 2105 square meters, the facility integrates a large flexible hall capable of hosting both intimate lectures for 100 attendees and expansive conferences for up to 150, demonstrating a commitment to versatile space utilization. This adaptability is crucial for an institution dedicated to the dynamic field of engineering.

Furthermore, the school is equipped with 13 state-of-the-art classrooms, specialized optics practical workrooms, and cutting-edge prototyping and 3D printing labs, reflecting a focus on hands-on learning and technological innovation. The consistent application of concrete as a primary material lends the building a strong, modern identity, while careful planning ensures that both academic and communal spaces, including student common rooms and administrative offices, are seamlessly integrated. This meticulous approach to design ensures that the building not only serves its immediate educational purpose but also stands as a significant architectural landmark.

Fostering Advanced Learning and Collaboration

The core objective of the Franche-Comté Advanced School of Engineering is to cultivate an environment that nurtures advanced learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and pioneering research in the engineering disciplines. The strategic layout of the building promotes interaction and intellectual exchange among students and faculty, with dedicated zones for both structured academic pursuits and informal gatherings. The inclusion of specialized laboratories, particularly those for optics and rapid prototyping, underscores the institution's commitment to equipping future engineers with practical skills and exposure to the latest technological tools and methodologies.

Beyond the classroom and lab settings, the school’s design integrates thoughtful elements aimed at enhancing the overall student experience, such as inviting common areas that serve as hubs for social interaction and collaborative projects. This comprehensive approach ensures that the school is not merely a place of instruction but a vibrant community where innovation thrives. The project, led by Dominique Coulon & associés, represents a significant investment in educational infrastructure, positioning the Franche-Comté Advanced School of Engineering as a leading center for engineering education and research in France.

Giomein Cervinia Residential Interior Redesign by co.arch studio

The co.arch studio, guided by Andrea Pezzoli and Giulia Urciuoli, embarked on an interior design project within the celebrated Giomein complex in Cervinia. This 120-square-meter residential space, realized in 2025, showcases a profound respect for the alpine surroundings, incorporating natural materials such as timber and masonry. The design's intention is to blend seamlessly with the breathtaking mountain environment, fostering a cozy yet refined living area that embodies both conventional and modern sensibilities. This endeavor stands as a prime example of meticulous architectural engagement within a culturally significant alpine context.

The project by co.arch studio in Cervinia transforms a residential interior within the historic Giomein complex, originally conceived by Mario Galvagni in 1972. This redesign for the 120 square meter space, completed in 2025, is a masterful interpretation of mountain architecture, moving beyond mere scenic appreciation to a deeper engagement with the morphological and perceptual aspects of the alpine environment. Utilizing materials like wood and brick, the design harmoniously integrates the structure with its natural surroundings, offering a contemporary take on a traditional mountain dwelling. The project elegantly balances aesthetic appeal with functional design, creating a living space that feels both timeless and innovative in the heart of the Alps.

Harmonizing Architecture with Alpine Landscape

Co.arch studio’s project in Cervinia is a reimagining of a residential interior within the iconic Giomein complex. Designed by Mario Galvagni and completed in 1972, this complex is perched on the Giomein promontory, offering panoramic views of the Breuil basin and the majestic Cervino. The original structure emerged during a period of rapid expansion in Alpine tourism, characterized by new ski infrastructure and holiday residences. In this context, Giomein was conceived not just as a building amidst a beautiful backdrop but as an integral part of the mountain's natural and sensory system. The studio's intervention respects this foundational philosophy, seeking to enhance the existing dialogue between architecture and nature. This approach ensures that the new interior design does not merely occupy the space but rather elevates the occupant's experience of the surrounding alpine grandeur, making the mountain an active participant in the living environment.

The interior transformation by co.arch studio, led by Andrea Pezzoli and Giulia Urciuoli, for a 120 square meter residence in Cervinia exemplifies a thoughtful architectural response to its alpine setting. Completed in 2025, the design focuses on creating a seamless integration with the natural environment, utilizing natural materials such as diverse types of wood and carefully selected brickwork. The goal was to develop a space that feels deeply connected to its surroundings, reflecting the rugged beauty and serene atmosphere of the Breuil-Cervinia region. This involved not only material choices but also strategic layouts and finishes that echo the natural textures and colors of the Alps. The design pays homage to Mario Galvagni’s original vision for the Giomein complex, which viewed the mountain as a dynamic system rather than a static backdrop. By reinterpreting this vision, co.arch studio has crafted a residential interior that is both modern in its amenities and deeply rooted in its geographical and historical context, providing a luxurious yet authentically alpine living experience.

Crafting Modern Alpine Living Spaces

The interior design project by co.arch studio at Giomein Cervinia represents a sophisticated effort to craft modern living spaces that are deeply embedded in their alpine context. The redesign prioritizes both aesthetic elegance and functional efficiency, creating an environment that is both welcoming and highly practical for contemporary use. The design team carefully selected furniture, fixtures, and finishes to reflect a sense of understated luxury, ensuring that each element contributes to a cohesive and harmonious whole. Special attention was given to optimizing natural light and maximizing views of the stunning mountain scenery, making the most of the unique location. This thoughtful approach transforms the residential unit into a sanctuary where comfort and design excellence meet, offering residents an unparalleled experience of modern mountain living.

The 2025 interior renovation project in Cervinia by co.arch studio demonstrates a profound understanding of modern alpine design, blending functionality with a keen sense of place. Andrea Pezzoli and Giulia Urciuoli's team meticulously planned every aspect of the 120-square-meter space to reflect a contemporary sensibility while honoring the traditional charm of mountain dwellings. This involved incorporating smart home technologies, ergonomic furniture, and innovative storage solutions that enhance convenience without compromising style. The design emphasizes open-plan living areas, allowing for flexible use of space and fostering a sense of community. Rich textiles, custom millwork, and bespoke lighting fixtures add layers of sophistication and warmth, creating an inviting atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation and entertainment. By carefully considering both the micro-details of interior elements and the macro-relationship with the surrounding landscape, co.arch studio has delivered a residential interior that is a model of modern alpine comfort and design ingenuity, perfectly suited for its breathtaking location.

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The Red House: A Coastal Oasis by Pacarizi Studio

The Red House, conceived by Pacarizi Studio, represents a striking residential project in Albania. This design prioritizes a harmonious coexistence between indoor comfort and outdoor natural beauty, specifically tailored for a coastal village setting. The home's layout centers around an inviting open courtyard, featuring a serene pool that acts as the heart of the residence. A prominent staircase thoughtfully extends this central outdoor area upwards, connecting to a rooftop space that unveils picturesque vistas of both the immediate surroundings and the broader horizon.

Harmony in Design: Bridging Interior and Exterior Living

A Vision for Seamless Integration: The Core Design Philosophy of the Red House

The architectural concept of the Red House is rooted in a profound desire to merge the living spaces with the natural environment. This integration is not merely aesthetic but functional, ensuring that residents experience a fluid transition between their private interior realms and the expansive outdoors, particularly within the tranquil context of a coastal village.

The Courtyard as the Heartbeat: Unifying Living Spaces Around an Open Oasis

At the architectural nucleus of the Red House lies a magnificent open courtyard. This central feature is meticulously designed to draw various living areas into its embrace, fostering a sense of community and connection within the home. The inclusion of a sparkling pool within this courtyard elevates it to a true oasis, offering both aesthetic pleasure and a refreshing focal point for relaxation and social gatherings.

Ascending to Serenity: The Grand Staircase and Panoramic Vistas

A notable element of the Red House's design is its majestic staircase. Far from being a mere functional component, it serves as an architectural extension of the courtyard, gracefully leading residents to the rooftop. From this elevated vantage point, inhabitants are treated to breathtaking panoramic views that encompass the immediate coastal landscape and stretch far into the distant horizons, creating an unparalleled sense of openness and connection to the world beyond.

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