Bertrand Taquet Architects Ascends to New Heights with the Enchanting Belvedere Staircase

The Dunois school group was constructed in the latter half of the 1970s. It is situated in the Chevaleret district, a representation of the "slab urbanism" that was prevalent at the time. The school is bordered by the "Pyramides" towers, iconic structures of the 13th arrondissement of Paris. The school complex is designed in a staircase formation, with each level set back from the one below. The building was designed by the DTACC agency. The stairs are a major element of the architecture, serving a functional purpose while also offering multiple possibilities in its design. This major element can even be interpreted as an allegory of architecture, encompassing technicality, use, design, poetry and all other components of architectural thinking. Examples of this are the iconic staircases of Mies Van Der Rohe and Le Corbusier.

The Dunois staircase provides independent access to the "urban farm" roof developed and maintained by the association "Les fourmis qui Jardine". This structure features two flights of steps positioned perpendicularly, creating an easy pathway and offering a general view of all the green roofs. The tripod structure ensures its own stability, avoiding the need for major hooks that would affect the structure of the building, while also reducing installation costs. Furthermore, the tripod echoes the existing pyramid shape of the building and its sloping façade. The association is developing its activity on the roofs of the Dunois school group, providing a unique vertical landscape in the 13th arrondissement of Paris.

Linking two distinct areas, a two-flight staircase is constructed from a school whose facades are covered in vegetation. The white powder-coated staircase has a simple form that blends into the diverse environment. This useful and self-supporting object meets the need for lightness due to the low bearing capacity of the slabs it rests on. The aim is to create a strong element that stands out in the urban landscape. The lighting necessary to meet accessibility regulations is located in the stair stringers, giving it an almost ethereal appearance in periods without natural light.

Architects: Bertrand Taquet Architectes

Year: 2022

Photographs: Antoine Seguin

Lead Architect: Bertrand Taquet

Contractor: Général Métal Edition