OASSIS Neighbourhood Crissier

In the rapidly changing West Lausanne area a new district is emerging which will offer high quality of life as well as a strong, distinctive identity. With this in mind, the architectural project selected aims to capitalize on the site’s advantages regarding both urban surroundings and mobility with main roads in the vicinity and different (existing and planned) infrastructures nearby. The clear definition of the project’s five complementary entities – three open ‘islands’, a tertiary centre and a public park -  highlights the new living space integrated within the neighbourhood  and creates an inner haven whose rich diversity meets the needs of the new functional mix. The exterior layout includes green roofs with vegetable gardens and photovoltaic panels, while the public garden provides convivial surroundings for all users. Christened « OASSIS », the new neighbourhood will eventually welcome several hundred flats, offices, small shops and semi-public facilities. In terms of architectural expression, the ‘islands’ provide an explicit contrast between their mineral-based external facades (composed of pre-fabricated concrete elements) and the lighter materials used for the internal facades (sheet metal). On the other hand, the design for the tertiary hub inverses this scheme with its extensive glazed exterior organized around a central mineral atrium.