Same place

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Introducing the theme of functional diversity within a single land unit. Mixed-used developments are becoming more and more familiar to city planners who most of the time implement this kind of complex program to make more profit from a given piece of land. Architecturally speaking, mixed-used buildings bring together different public and services programs with dwellings. Dwellings are the cities basic ingredient. With an equal consideration for land optimization, shared means and private investments in public buildings, we conceive mixed-used buildings as a complex combination of dwellings and various programs.

Layers of different programs (public, services, housing) also question standard norms as these norms usually tend to separate clearly distinct activities and users. It is then necessary to show to the different stakeholders the benefits of shared spaces, like more efficient and optimized construction means, new functional possibilities created by shared spaces or how different programs can be improved by simply being thought and built together.

If we build dwellings above a school or a cultural program, how will these programs affect the way we live? If a start-up incubator is located next to a primary school, wouldn't it be smart to have the kids directly in touch with the latest social or technological innovations carried out by their neighbors?