Located at the heart of the historic Marais neighbourhood, the Centre for Research and Interdisciplinarity is an outstanding point of reference as far as innovative aspects introduced to teaching methods are concerned. It is a place where students, teachers, researchers, French and international institutes and the wider general public can come together to meet and debate, and where a multi-disciplinary approach is adopted where new technologies (digital and robotic) and their applications are studied and analysed to see what social and economic repercussions they produce.

The entire complex housing the Research centre, which extends between number and 8 and 10 of rue Charles V, includes buildings erected between the XVII and XIX centuries, right up to the most recently constructed, in 1938.

The restoration work done by Patrick Mauger created a building whose residential requirements, handled by Eddy Vahanian, merge with the teaching aims: the result is a flowing, modular environment with a dynamic, multi-functional space.

The artificial lighting is part of this integrated context, favouring homogeneity and diffusion. While formulating the choice of equipment in line with the functional purposes of the different areas, the anticipated effect is extremely natural and conveys the vibrant energy of the place to visitors.

The artificial lighting creates atmospheres and highlights the building's shapes and materials. The façade and historical courtyard are enhanced with Underscore InOut, Laser Blade InOut and Linealuce. All the systems are managed by a control system which ensures the different requirements in common and work areas are met in full.

A distinction in colour temperatures was selected from the outset: 4000 K on the upper floors where research work is carried out, while on the ground floor and basement which combines communal spaces and services which can host events and meetings (maker lab, library, reception, refectory, garden, auditorium, game lab etc.), a warmer temperature of 3000 K was selected.

The communal library with double height ceiling combines lighting provided by the iN30 light lines and the Frontlight spotlights arranged between the ceiling ribs. iN30 and Underscore were installed in the Centre's auditorium along the sides to blend with the natural light, while Pixel Pro recessed downlights provide a specific contribution to the area set aside for the speaker or teacher. On the 4 upper floors hundreds of easy iPlans illuminate the laboratories and the lecture theatres, where physics meets chemistry, electronics, the digital world and that of human sciences.

The light lines given off by the iN30 ceiling lights contribute to the building's energetic atmosphere and blend in with its modern architectural aspect which in some cases is warmed by the presence of hanging plants.

An external circulation links up the laboratories: walkways lit by iPro spotlights contribute to enhancing the internal façades and provide access to the terraces enriched with vegetation and a magnificent view of Parisian rooftops.

Lighting in through-areas like the corridors found in the older parts of the building was also given just attention with Linealuce Mini lighting which provides a low light to highlight the stone walls. Equipment such as Bos, Underscore and View were used in the residential areas set aside for student accommodation to recreate a more homely, intimate atmosphere while in the small communal living areas Laser Blade recessed lighting and iPlan floor lamps were used.


Year: 2019

Client: The Centre for Research and Interdisciplinarity

Architectural project: Eddy Vahanian, Patrick Mauger

Project management: The Centre for Research and Interdisciplinarity (CRI)

Sponsor: Fondation Bettencourt Schueller

Photographer: Didier Boy de la Tour