Institute of Political Studies (IEP)

Major restructuring and extension of Sciences Po Bordeaux.

The restructuring and extension of the IEP is in line with the dynamics of the Campus project and changes in travel patterns linked to the tramway passing to the south of the site.

Initially housed in high-quality buildings constructed in the 1960s, the IEP subsequently expanded into a succession of buildings, which we decided to do away with, in order to allow this architecture to be requalified and extended as part of this vast project. The project aims to create a true "campus" spirit, based on the idea of conviviality and exchange. That's why the existing and new buildings are linked by a vast central atrium, a veritable indoor greenhouse garden and student living space.

The aim is to create a simple, linear massing of uniform height, so that the Institute can be clearly seen.

Similarly, a unity of materials has been sought: wood is used extensively here, both structurally for the elevations and structurally for the facade and atrium.