The La Poste group is set to centralise its IT departments in a new centre of excellence in a scheme intended to promote synergies between the various teams, showcase its digital transformation, reinforce corporate social responsibility and attract young talent.

The Maison de l´Innovation will be a freestanding structure, an urban sculpture that blends harmoniously but confidently into the surrounding cityscape. The slightly angled contour gives the building a distinctive form, creating an architectural landmark that will be visible from afar and offering some spectacular views in a layout that favours no one particular line of sight.

The theme of transparency

The timber-framed structure rises seven storeys, supported by segmental concrete arches that frame the open interior courtyard on the ground floor. A concrete arch on the west side of the ground floor is both anchor and invitation, one of a series that runs around the entire building like so many shop windows. The double-storey ground floor, accessible to the public, gives an impression of permeability and flexibility, always busy and lively.

The central focus is an atrium that rises the full height of the building, its generous proportions providing an amazing spatial experience. Its various sections are connected via the wooden staircase that sits at its centre, a feature that promotes exchange and encounter. Its flexible workspaces, too, are arranged around this core with its “village square” feel.
 

An open, deep and lively façade

The key design principle of openness is also particularly clearly articulated in the façades. With no closed sides, the building is genuinely outward looking, allowing light to penetrate and offering unimpeded views of the world outside. Set behind the metal-strip skin of the façades are a number of terraces and balconies that offer breath-taking views of Nantes and the River Loire. The depth of the façade structure also works as a passive sunlight control system for the entire building. 

During the hours of daylight, the interplay between the copper-coloured metal strips and the glass façade behind them give the impression of a building in constant motion, a reflection of the life of the city itself.