Is it merely a housing complex or something far more profound than meets the eye? This is the Cour Samain. Today we will explore this unique urban space in Lille.
The Cour Samain is more than just a residential area. It represents a vision for integrating asylum seekers into the broader community. Architect Stefano Miano designed this space. He sought to create a sustainable model for urban development. The Cour Samain uses the courtyard form. This encourages social interaction and community building.
The design of the Cour Samain focuses on creating a harmonious living environment. The building complex consists of two floors. The ground floor layout echoes the shape of an urban court. Open pedestrian paths cross these courts. This encourages residents to mingle and connect. Each court has essential amenities. These include laundry facilities and public kitchens. Meeting rooms and internet access are also available. A medialab and kindergarten serve both residents and the surrounding community.
The first floor features rotated and translated elements. These mirror the forms below. This design creates semi-public green spaces on the upper level. These areas face the internal courtyard. The layout promotes interaction among residents. It also provides a welcoming space for the wider neighborhood.
The Cour Samain includes several apartments. There are twelve apartments for two people. These apartments have 31 square meters of space. Twelve apartments accommodate five people. These apartments are 57 square meters. Thirty apartments are designed for four people. These are 45 square meters. The complex houses a total of 204 people. The apartments are in nine condominiums. Each condominium has two floors.
Each apartment features an open-plan living area. This area includes a kitchen spanning 18 square meters. Bathrooms are divided. There is a toilet area of one square meter. The bathroom itself is three square meters. Bedrooms for two people are 12 square meters. Single bedrooms are nine square meters.
The apartments are constructed from modular elements. Each apartment uses three transportable units. These units measure 9.00×2.99×3.00 meters. These three elements are reassembled into a single unit. This forms a box measuring 27.00×9.00×3.00 meters. Metal panels of one-meter width cover these individual elements. Each unit has different colored surfaces. This distinguishes them within the overall composition. Steel elements in standard sections provide reinforcement. These are dry mounted.
The Cour Samain stands as a testament to innovative urban planning. It embodies a commitment to social integration. It provides essential services. It also fosters a strong sense of community. This unique space in Lille offers a blueprint. It is a blueprint for sustainable urban development. The Cour Samain creates inclusive environments. It promotes a sense of belonging for all residents.