Arborescence’ led by the developer Vinci Immobilier is the winning scheme of the international architectural competition ‘Imagine Angers’ on the exceptional site of Gambetta. At the fringe of the historical district and a new urban development, the site enjoys the tranquillity of the Maine river bank. The unique architectural identity of ‘Arborescence’ pays tribute to Angers’ historical heritage merging the vibrant urban centre to the natural landscape.
Its inter-generational program embodies a contemporary lifestyle offering 29 exceptional residential units, a senior housing residence, a co-working space and a childcare centre. This innovative architecture is the result of the collaboration between Crespy & Aumont Architectes, a locally embedded architectural firm and WY-TO a promising architectural studio based in Paris and Singapore. The strength of ‘Arborescence’ lies in the union of international influences synthesized into the local urban and social context of Angers.
The structure and composition of the project allow flexibility in the appropriation of the unit-space and offer possibilities for future evolution. Comfort and variety of spatial choices are key components of the unit design. The distinctive organic and free lines of the lush terraces and planter boxes draw inspiration from the wind breeze through a tree.
Directly linked to the ecological corridor of Angers, the central garden is densely vegetated, emerging as an oasis for urban biodiversity. The housing units and its shared facilities (swimming pool, greenhouse, communal living area) enjoy generous natural light, as well as the opportunity to witness flora & fauna landscapes evolve over the seasons. The garden living environment of its inhabitants and for Angers’ Citizens at large. The subtle use of refined materials locally sourced allows the contemporary architecture to blend in harmoniously with its surroundings.
