Wood at the Heart of Paris: Where Architecture Meets Modernity
In Paris, two architectural projects are redefining the use of wood: the new building for the University of Chicago and the Paris Périchaux early childhood center. These initiatives showcase the potential of this living material, blending sustainability with aesthetics.
A Wooden Campus in the Heart of Paris
American architect Jeanne Gang designed the Paris campus of the University of Chicago with a wooden structure complemented by stone sunshades, a nod to Haussmannian Paris. This "vertical campus," built above an RER station, reduces its carbon footprint thanks to cross-laminated timber (CLT).
Bright, understated, and warm, the building combines large open spaces, an inner garden, and a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views. The pervasive use of wood creates a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
© SPLANN / COURTESY STUDIO GANG
A Wooden Haven for Children
In the 15th arrondissement, Guillaume Ramillien designed an early childhood center around a preserved garden. Entirely built from solid wood, the structure harmonizes with its surroundings, blending playful aesthetics with functionality. The spaces alternate between cozy volumes and bright rooms topped with shed roofs.
Inside and out, the wood is elevated with poetic details: animal sculptures, inspired furniture, and meticulously designed paving.
A New Era for Urban Wood
These two projects demonstrate that wood, beyond its ecological benefits, can bring an aesthetic sensibility and human warmth rarely achieved in contemporary architecture. Through innovative and respectful design, these buildings reinvent the use of wood in urban settings, making this living material a symbol of modernity and poetry.
