The volumes
The volume measurements of the block were dictated by the need to build a frontal façade for the park.
This façade has to demarcate the park, offering the future occupants uncluttered views of this large green space.
With this aim in view, the volumes mark out the edges of the park, forming a thick border around the green system. This need is met using the principle of three, essentially vertical, emergences.
The position of Block I1 in the block plan was determined using two close-fitting approaches. It complements the urban system that has already been launched with the projects to build offices for Alstom. The main location of this block is in line with the main system, based on the pattern formed by the mall-shops. It represents the final block bordering the “Rue Clé des Champs”. Its morphology therefore applies the principles of “strips”, derived from the fabric of Saint-Ouen, and embodies the historical layout of the cadastral map of the city. As in all the projects in this area, the principle of the podium is applied. The modular core is designed to accommodate activities or programmes specific to the service sector. The ground floor will be very high, allowing for more open restructuring, and in particular, the installation of shops.
The podium constitutes the physical limit of the block. It is punctuated by access to the thoroughfares leading to the centre of the block. Certain architectural treatments providing continuity will be adapted for each of the programmes in the complete core.
For these three buildings, the morphology of the feet of the volumes is the same. The principle of breaking down the architectural volumes in line with the complete emergence will be applied to the relationship with the ground.
On the other hand, premises in direct contact with the urban space on the city side and the green spaces on the park side can accommodate a wider range of projects. In this respect, community facilities in proportion to the size of each residence should be given preference.

The emergences
The concept of the urban silhouette and its shape on the horizon are essential.
Looking beyond the trend imposed by the morphology of the three vertical structures, the principle consists in leaving the dense urban landscape behind the residential constructions visible from the park.
The emergence of the block will obey the overall system that limits the “strips” in the block. Each entity must have its own architectural logic within the project and the overall volume.
To this end, each residential or tertiary programme could be physically linked and/or separated. However, the concept of the overall volume of the block must remain consistent and include several composite architectures and systems.