At the most recent social housing conference, two projects by the CoBe agency in the town of Sceaux were awarded the label «Student Accommodation» (organised by the AVUF): Residencies Pierre Ringenbach and Edouard Depreux, managed by FAC-HABITAT by Smerra.
This distinction gives us food for thought.
At a time when students’ financial and psychological vulnerability is at an all-time high, the living environment plays a crucial role. A well-designed hall of residence that combines ergonomics, thermal comfort, privacy and attractive communal spaces makes a direct contribution to the well-being and independence of young adults.
For the agency, this project lies at the intersection of architecture and design. As the layout is based on the repetition of a basic unit, the focus is initially on its interior layout. Combining sleeping, working, personal hygiene, meals and socialising within 18 m² remains a challenge in terms of both technical feasibility and practicality.
To make up for the room’s small size, the overall layout takes over: communal areas designed as genuine living spaces with circulation areas bathed in natural light, ideal for socialising.
Finally, ergonomics must adapt to contemporary realities: changes in height (an increase of 5 to 10 cm over 40 years in Europe), new digital habits, a more reclined posture and the decline of the traditional desk.
Thinking through these changes whilst preventing wear and tear on the premises is a requirement of frugality and sustainability.