ARCHITECTURE-SCIENCES-ARTS THE GOOD MIX: ENS PARIS-SACLAY
In France, the academic system promotes the idea of an educated elite, particularly through a circle of schools known as ‘les grandes écoles’. The products of these institutions tend to rule (govern), produce (economy), teach & research (educate). Among them, École normale supérieure (ENS) Paris-Saclay is of particular interest as the school recently settled into a new building designed by Renzo Piano (principal, Renzo Piano Building Workshop). Pierre-Paul Zalio (president, ENS), who is in charge of the project, here answers our questions about his governing agenda when beginning the project and his plan for building this new school.
Seungduk Kim (Kim): Can you give me a brief description of ENS Paris-Saclay?
Pierre-Paul Zalio (Zalio): ENS is one of the most selective higher education institutions and one of the international frontrunners in research. What sets the ENS apart is that it brings together disciplines from all areas of knowledge ranging from basic sciences to the humanities. In ENS, a unique environment, normalien students receive research-intensive training leading to doctoral degrees, which are frequently coupled with an advanced teaching qualification.
Kim: What ambitions did you set for yourself and for the programmes herein?
Zalio: It is important to clarify that the initial design was not limited to architectural considerations: it consisted of reflecting upon what the design of a higher teacher training college should be, how it might correspond with its mission and aims, and how it might tailor these needs in the execution of the site. First of all, we wanted a building that was conducive to the daily interactions between
