HAIRCARE RESEARCH CENTER // L'Oréal
Le Centre d'Evalutaion des Techniques et Produits Capillaires (CETPC) for L'Oréal
St.Ouen, France
Interior design of public part (3000m²)
Interior Designer: A+A Cooren
Construction Economist: ODC Sarl
Promoter: GSE / Architect: Serau
Delivered in October 2011
Simplicity-Technicality
In the development of this design, the challenge was to integrate smoothness and usability in a very technical workspace; Preserving the privacy of each model while maintaining an open and convenient space for everyday users.
The entrance has been designed so that people's interaction with the space is as intuitive as possible. This allows less signage and thus retains a simple visual field. The bamboo veneer subtly reveals the geometry of the inclined wall, a paramount theme of this space. It gives the entrance impact, while creating quiet spaces of movement within the center, and guiding visitors along these horizontal lines.
Like the lowered technical ceiling which visually separates the workspaces from above, the gradation glass walls separate workspaces and areas of foot traffic from below. The view between the two areas remains undisturbed, with the glass providing privacy while keeping the space visually open.
In a space as technical as the CETPC, we aimed to make the technical functions as discreet as possible. Maximum usability was the key to create harmony, both for the people who work there, and for visitors.
Photo© Piotr Stoklosa
