PARASITES COMPETITION

In metropolitan areas, new structures and functions now feel obligated to be nurtured by the existing ones acting as selfless hosts: new architecture now feels obligated to be the parasite! Parasitic architecture is defined as a building that is attached to an existing larger structure. It serves as a solution to an urban problem, the proposal has to be based in a densely populated urban context. Additionally, the parasite should be serving a topological purpose that is public in nature and resonates with the function of its host and its immediate context. (Should be between 10 m3 and 100m3)

CONTEXT

“Les Olympiades”, located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris in France is mainly a residential district of towers, built in the 70’s. Those towers sit on a structure, “la dalle” (the slab) that was originally a train station, which was then converted into a logistic platform of commerce in 2005. A important area called Esplanade (commercial center) is located in the middle of the slab. The residential towers are accessible from the Esplanade. Three schools (kindergarden schools and middle school) and one university school are located in the area.