The emergence of renewed momentum in Trébédan, along with the formation of a commissioning group, enabled teachers at the local school—working closely with parents, elected officials and villagers—to initiate an ambitious social and cultural project for the school in this rural area.
As part of the building renovation programme, the commissioners wished to involve an artist. Their aim was not only to bring the different spaces up to standard and improve their functionality, but also to highlight—and strengthen—the school’s social and cultural role within the village.
The brief for the artistic commission included: renovating the existing buildings; extending the school through the construction of a new nursery classroom and a new canteen; creating a physical link with the village square; and designing bespoke furniture. The entire project was to be carried out with strong environmental considerations.
The designer matali crasset developed an overall project to support and enhance the distinctive teaching approach of the Trébédan school. The two primary classrooms were refurbished within the old building, while a new structure was built around the existing playground for the nursery class. Together, this complex forms a ‘private’ space reserved for pupils’ school activities. The library-cyberspace can be opened to the public outside school hours. A new playground was also created, equipped with sliding structures. Four Extensions of Generosity were added to the different multifunctional platforms to help structure the school’s relationship with its wider surroundings. These micro-architectures open the school up to the village space. Responding to the needs of teachers and pupils, matali crasset designed innovative, modular furniture made of flexible elements, enabling “evolving life scenarios”.
