The Vélodrome de Lausanne has to make way for a new school. During our clandestine site visit, we came upon a lone fox, sunning itself on the warm asphalt on a cold winter day. Instead of negating and filling the peculiar form of the velodrome, the project makes productive use of it, preserving and amplifying its inherent qualities. 

The structure is elevated above the ground – thus avoiding excavation – whereby air, people and animals flows stay undisturbed. The abundant water on the site is gathered in the topographic depression, shaping a marsh biotope that cools down the area. Black poplar trees and weeping willows stand with their feet in the water, flanked by children playing football on the field. The school finds a new typology: classrooms revolve around a ring of open circulation, overlooking the natural courtyard. The publicly accessible roof offers a range of activities, and a great view of the Alps.

Team: Ines Branet, Axel Chevroulet, Arthur Douillet, Anna MacIver-Ek
Engineers: Société Coopérative 2401