Open for business: Chipperfield's Paris management school

The architect’s view

The buildings give a strong visual identity to HEC, creating a new entrance to the entire campus in harmony with the existing structures.
The shape of the building, with its shifted blocks, aims to create a more intimate environment for people to experience on arrival at the campus. The multi-faceted blocks naturally integrate with the surrounding buildings, and provide a series of sheltered semi-courtyards along the length of the site.
By staggering the structural volumes in this way, David Chipperfield Architects has created a distinctive, human-scale feel to the space, while providing ample facilities for students and academics. Informal study areas and teaching spaces revolve around a large common hall, which serves as a ‘social collector’ and linking the building with other facilities.  Additionally, the impressive auditorium and other common spaces have high-specification technical treatments, to ensure excellent quality presentation facilities. Informal study areas and teaching spaces revolve around a large common hall, which crosses a campus artery, serving as a ‘social collector’ and integrating the administrative and MBA faculties into the life of the rest of the institution.