Subsidized Housing Reinterpreted: LESS in Paris

The building project, which initially met with little enthusiasm from the immediate neighbours, is in a key location. The long parcel of land is characterized by the canal to the east and adjacent industrial structures which now attest to former commercial activity. The new living and sports complex known as LESS stands along a through street at the south edge of the block. The main complex continues around the corner to the north to add a smaller volume to the whole.

Density and Small-Scale Construction
The basement and ground floor are home to a gymnasium and a dance studio. The building features 69 living units distributed over six storeys. The floor plans of the apartments are all arranged according to the shotgun approach. Some of the apartments are in duplex form. Every apartment has a private exterior space, as terraces on the first upper storey and as loggias of various depths on the higher floors. These jutting free spaces enable conversation, yet ensure residents a modicum of privacy as well. They have the effect of making the complex seem less monumental than it is, despite its enormous size. Rather, it appears modular, even small-scale. Moreover, the loggias give the complex its high recognition factor.

Permeability and Delimitation
The loggias are of larchwood, which reappears as a design element throughout the entire project. The ground floor stands out from the rest of the building. A metal grid covers it in a delicate veil that makes a fascinating interplay of permeability and delimitation. This shields the gymnasium, which is behind the grid, from inquisitive glances without any great loss of natural light.