Nov 25

AR Emerging Architecture Awards shortlist: Les Graines d’Etoiles Nursery, Aix en Provence, France by Atelier Fernandez and Serres

The Architectural Review’s Emerging Architecture Awards, sponsored by Ramboll and Austin-Smith:Lord, celebrates the best pieces of design by young architects from across the world. Alongside the four principal winners is a shortlist of 21, some of which we will feature on AR+. Set amidst Park Duranne’s landscape of large mature trees is the boxy form of this nursery school by Ateliers Fernandez & Serres

The expressionless walls give little away to the activity within.

Made in pre-cast ribbed concrete, the bright corrugated surfaces break up and distort reflections from the trees, while a central smooth box stands taller, in accordance with and giving form to the nursery’s centralised plan.

The four-square plan sets four wings of accommodation around the central, double-height space, with each wing organised around its own centralised roof light, boldly lined with magenta walls.

Architect Atelier Fernandez & Serres
Project team Stephane Fernandez and Ivry Serres
Location Aix en Provence, France
Building type School
Photography credits Fernandez & Serres and

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