Plainplein

For this year's April's fool, we decided to engage in a discussion around a well-know landmark in Geneva: the Plaine de Plainpalais. Our proposal focuses on the evolution of the area.

The project, « PLAINPLEIN », is a territorial architecture which naturally extends the « open field » when one comes from the main train station ; the public can walk on the roof of the building and access an upper « piazza », which is at a reasonable height (lower than the trees that surround Plainpalais), to then join the multipurpose cultural center, which will host concerts, exhibitions, conferences, shows and all kinds of public events ; this is a contemporary add-on to the Victoria Hall, Grand Théâtre and Bâtiment des Forces Motrices.

The food hall/market and some commercial spaces are set under the piazza; the program is in a way, a permanent add-on to the weekly flee and food markets. The permanent market and the temporary ones will be able to co-exist, like they do in Rive; this just meets the increasing demand of the growing neighborhood.

The hill-type roof of the building is an easy walk, it is not to very steep, it’s comfortable and meant for everyone ; composed of steps / benches and ramps, it is ideal for people to enjoy their lunch-break, a quick read, or just to enjoy the afternoon sun ; it is also imagined as the seats for future outdoor projections, fan-zones or other events that could take place there.