Building facade with large windows surrounded by green trees and clear blue sky.

A modern building facade partially obscured by lush green trees under a clear blue sky.

Three-story building with large windows and flat roof, surrounded by greenery.
Modern building with large flat facade and glass windows, trees on the right, clear blue sky.
Modern building with large glass windows and flat roof surrounded by greenery.
Exterior of a modern building with green facade and large windows, featuring signage for Université Marie & Louis Pasteur and ISIFC.
Modern building with concrete facade and glass windows, featuring large 'ISIFC' letters at the entrance.
Modern building with minimalist design surrounded by wildflowers and trees under a clear blue sky.
Exterior view of a modern building with large windows and a courtyard with greenery.
Minimalist building with flat roof surrounded by wildflowers and trees.
Minimalist interior with concrete walls and floors, grid ceiling, and large glass window.
Interior of a modern building with concrete walls, grid ceiling, staircases, and a person walking.
Person walking down a concrete staircase with metal handrails in a modern building.
Interior view of a staircase with concrete walls and steps, metal railing, and integrated lighting.
Interior of a modern room with concrete surfaces and an orange glass partition.
Interior hallway with concrete walls and floors, and an orange light at the corridor's end.
Interior view of a modern space with concrete walls and floors, a staircase, and a grid ceiling.
Interior view of a modern building with concrete staircase, metal railing, large window, and grid ceiling.
Interior space with green cabinet and sink, door, and window with green curtains.
Interior view of a minimalist space with green cabinets and a sink.
Interior hallway with concrete walls, ceiling lights, and an orange wall at the end.
Interior of a modern building with concrete walls, staircase, and large windows.
Interior hallway with concrete walls and ceiling, linear lighting, red accent, and large window at the end.
Interior space with orange walls and furniture, featuring a mezzanine with glass railing and a person looking out a window.
Interior space with orange walls and ceiling, orange table and chairs, and large windows showing outdoor greenery and buildings.
Interior hallway with concrete walls and ceiling, leading to a glass-walled room with orange chairs.
Interior view of a minimalist space with concrete walls and floors, a grid-patterned wall, and a window letting in natural light.
Interior of a building with concrete walls and a glass partition showing a room with orange tables and chairs.
Lecture hall with blue seating, large screens, and a window at the back.
Interior view of a modern lecture hall with tiered seating and blue chairs, large windows, and minimalist design.
Interior view of a modern lecture hall with desks, chairs, and a large window.
Interior view of a modern classroom with tables, chairs, a whiteboard, and large windows.
Interior of a classroom with tables, chairs, and large windows showing greenery.
Lecture hall interior with blue seats and sliding partition wall.
Modern lecture hall interior with rows of chairs and large windows.
Modern lecture hall interior with rows of chairs and desks, large windows, and glass doors.
Interior view of a lecture hall with rows of seats and large windows providing natural light.
Interior hallway with concrete walls and metal ceiling leading to a classroom with glass doors.
Site plan of Franche-Comté Advanced School of Engineering in Besançon with building layouts and roads.
Ground floor plan of Franche-Comté Advanced School of Engineering, showing labeled rooms and layout.
Architectural floor plan of the Franche-Comté Advanced School of Engineering, detailing room layouts and labels.
Floor plan of the second floor of Franche-Comté Advanced School of Engineering (ISIFC) in Besançon, depicting room layouts and trees.
Roof plan of the Franche-Comté Advanced School of Engineering (ISIFC) in Besançon with building layout and trees.
Cross-sections of the Franche-Comté Advanced School of Engineering in Besançon, illustrating interior spaces and structural design.
Cross-sections of the Franche-Comté Advanced School of Engineering (ISIFC) in Besançon, illustrating interior spaces and nearby trees.
Elevation drawings of the Franche-Comté Advanced School of Engineering (ISIFC) in Besançon, featuring the south and north views with building outlines and landscape details.
Elevation drawings of the Franche-Comté Advanced School of Engineering, depicting east and west views with trees and landscape.
Architectural diagrams of Franche-Comté Advanced School of Engineering showing programme layout, entrance and continuity, and bioclimatic strategy.
Diagram illustrating the layout and bioclimatic strategy of the Franche-Comté Advanced School of Engineering, featuring classrooms, administrative hub, and multipurpose reception hall.
Architectural diagrams of Franche-Comté Advanced School of Engineering showing layouts for classrooms, group work, large conferences, and exhibitions.
Architectural diagrams of the Franche-Comté Advanced School of Engineering showing configurations for classrooms, group work, large conference, and conference and exhibition spaces.

Story

A harmonious blend of nature and architecture

Nestled within the Bouloie-Temis campus in Besançon, France, the Franche-Comté Advanced School of Engineering (ISIFC) stands as a testament to innovative architectural design that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings. Designed by Dominique Coulon & Associés, this educational facility is strategically positioned parallel to the main road, allowing it to be enveloped by a small, listed wood. This unique placement creates an intimate dialogue between the building and the nearby trees, which provide shade and a serene backdrop for the classrooms.

The structure is divided into two distinct sections to accommodate future expansion. One section houses specialized spaces such as a large lecture and conference hall, administrative offices, and a spacious classroom. The other section, elevated on pillars, contains ordinary classrooms that offer sweeping views of the surrounding forest. This design choice not only enhances the flexibility of the spaces but also allows for potential future extensions.

Inside, the building is characterized by its cavernous spaces filled with natural light, creating a raw and rustic atmosphere. The student common room, with its vivid orange double-height space, contrasts beautifully with the soft plainness of the concrete, adding a surprising burst of color. The large lecture and conference hall is ingeniously connected to an examination room via a sliding partition, enabling the creation of a vast space suitable for international congresses.

  • Integration with a small listed wood, creating a natural dialogue

  • Division into two sections for specialized and ordinary spaces

  • Elevated classrooms offering forest views

  • Cavernous, light-filled interiors with a rustic atmosphere

  • Flexible spaces with sliding partitions for large events

Detail Information
Location Besançon, France
Architect Dominique Coulon & Associés
Floor Area 2,105m²
Cost €5,420,000 excl. VAT
Completion Year 2024
Programs Lecture hall, conference hall, classrooms, student common room, administrative offices

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Interior: Concrete walls and floors with a minimalist aesthetic.
  • Interior: Vivid orange tones in the student common room.

Materials

  • Concrete — Walls and floors
  • Glass — Windows and partitions
  • Metal — Handrails and structural elements

Construction / Systems

  • Structural: The second section of the building is placed on pillars to allow for flexible use and future expansion.

Products

  • Lecture Hall Equipment — Lectern fittings — by ACT 2 (Lecture and conference hall)

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: Concrete gray, Vivid orange
  • Lighting: Natural light

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