National Veterinary School of Alfort

Project: National Veterinary School of Alfort
Architect: ArtBuild Architects

Programme

Construction of the Agora building, an educational facility (ERP Type R – 3rd category) / Design-build contract with performance and maintenance commitments / Renovation & extension.

2 teaching lecture halls, 240 seats each / 1 continuing education lecture hall, 80 seats / 1 entrance hall (270 sqm) with exposed timber roof structure and mezzanine / 4 partitionable tutorial rooms (90 sqm each) / 2 reconfigurable classrooms (90 sqm each) / 1 flexible practical training space (275 sqm) / Office spaces (1,000 sqm) / Central courtyard (patio)

About: The Agora building is the cornerstone of the campus restructuring of the École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort in Maisons-Alfort (ENVA), which extends over nearly 11 hectares. This new state-of-the-art facility opens a new chapter in the School’s prestigious history.
The building is both a symbol of the School’s central role in education and research and a manifesto in terms of ecological footprint. Agora is in fact the first building on campus to showcase bio-based materials.
With the exception of a single elevator shaft, the entire structure is made of timber elements left exposed to enhance occupants’ sensory experience and fully embrace the benefits of an integrated biophilic design approach. The façades are composed of timber-frame walls, and the floors are made of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels.
A large portion of the building structure was assembled off-site, with the design aimed at minimizing the negative impact of construction on campus life.
Environmental considerations also extend to the reuse of bricks from the partially dismantled Brion building. The dialogue created between old and new bricks fosters an authentic and harmonious relationship between the Agora building and its neighboring structures, from which it draws both inspiration and respect.
As the first hospital to treat domestic animals on an outpatient basis, the campus holds significant heritage value and stands as a remarkable example of Art Deco architecture dating back to 1928. The heritage aspects of the site were carefully analyzed, and many details of the existing entrance façade have been preserved and seamlessly integrated into the new architectural sequence.
A series of articulated metal canopies mark the transition from exterior to interior. The timber ceiling of the main hall intuitively guides visitors toward an inner courtyard, offices, meeting rooms, and double-height spaces with mezzanines—areas designed to encourage interaction and conviviality.