“Univers,” they call them. These are the departments within the Francis Bouygues building. Welcome to CentraleSupélec. This modern structure integrates into the Paris-Saclay cluster. It stands as a testament to innovation in education.
CentraleSupélec resulted from a fusion in 2014. École Centrale Paris and École Supélec combined their strengths. The institution then joined the Université Paris-Saclay. In 2017, CentraleSupélec moved to the Plateau de Saclay in Gif-sur-Yvette. That same year, the Francis Bouygues building was inaugurated.
The Francis Bouygues building houses teaching and research spaces. A hotel structure accommodates external guests. Gigon/Guyer designed the Francis Bouygues building. Their architectural vision is impressive. The building spans three floors. A green patio and a grand hall form its core. This design encourages interaction and collaboration.
Annette Gigon and Mike Guyer conceived the “univers” as city districts. These areas feature streets, alleys, and squares. The hall connects work and leisure zones. It fosters openness and concentration.
The facade is an artwork. Ceramic elements in varied colors create texture. Eight special shades were created. These range from off-white to dark green, including anthracite. Profiled elements accentuate the facade’s lines. Undulating and fluted designs add a three-dimensional effect.
Construction of the Francis Bouygues building took place from 2011 to 2020. It is a contemporary building. Inside, you’ll find concrete and cement surfaces. The project cost 810,000. CentraleSupélec and Bouygues Construction were key players. The Francis Bouygues building is more than just a building. It is a hub of learning. It’s a space designed to inspire future engineers. It is a place for innovation.