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Article from issue 5/1997 »Flat Roof Construction«

University Complex in Marne-la-Vallée

Drafts
Part section through atrium 1:400
Part section through curved glass roof 1:200
Section through roof and facade 1:20
Typical floor plan 1:1500

The three linear tracts of this complex house teaching spaces, laboratories and offices and are linked by arched glass roofs. The transverse atrium forms the division between the two faculties and is, at the same time, the common access area for all users. Two circular counters in polished stainless steel at the ends of the atrium mark the reception area and the cafeteria. In the middle is a generous staircase leading down to a multi-purpose hall and the assembly hall. The structure is in a mixed form of construction with steel columns and beams and prestressed hollow concrete floors spanned between them. The continuous façade construction was made possible by using a rear tensioning cable system over the width of the atrium instead of the normal bracing.