To Dwell is proposal for a residential building in Geneva is defined by its volumetric clarity, framed at both ends by bow windows that express the building's character along the garden street. These bow windows, with their figurative presence, establish a rhythm in the façade by marking the beginning and end of the volume. The relationship with the street is further animated by three external staircases, which expose the building’s circulation to the public, recalling the narrative structure of Jacques Tati’s Mon Oncle.
The apartments are designed with cross-ventilation, maximizing both natural airflow and illumination. A flexible partition between the living room and master bedroom enhances spatial fluidity, generating a sense of openness and generosity within the compact layout. This increased flexibility of movement within the apartment cultivates a perception of greater spatial generosity, despite the efficient use of surface area.
Public programs are strategically placed on both the ground floor and the rooftop terrace, promoting vertical circulation through the building and facilitating social interaction in shared spaces, whether on the stair landings or in these generous communal areas. Toward the garden, large fenêtres en longueur create a seamless visual connection with the adjacent park, while on the street side, square windows foster a more intimate and protected atmosphere, establishing a deliberate contrast between the two orientations.
2021
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Programme: Housing
Surface: 6’400m2
Competition: 4rd Round
Client: HBM Foundation With: Mederic Gilgen