Article source: h2o architectes

The Familistère is a vast housing complex founded by Jean-Baptiste André Godin in 1859 in relation with the stove manufacturing business. Until 1968, this Social Palace was the theatre of a unique social experimentation in the industrial world: the Familistère was a sort of utopia for an industrial society composed like an urban transition between the town and the park of the city island nearby.

Image Courtesy © Stéphane Chalmeau

• Architects: h2o architectes
• Project: Site development at the Familistère
• Location: Guise, France
• Photography: Stéphane Chalmeau ,FkP
• Software used: Rhino
• Program: Public space of the Familistère in Guise (4Ha), , Shared space 20Km/h, Footbridge, bridge extension, urban furniture (bench, signage), lighting.
• Client: Syndicat Mixte du Familistère Godin
• SEDA:  Société d’Equipement du Département de l’Aisne.
• Team: h2o architectes (lead architect) , Michel Desvigne Paysagiste (landscape architect), France Aires (Exterior infrastructure Engineer), , HDA (structure engineer).
• Specificity: Classified Site for Historical Monuments
• Surface: 4 Hectare
• Construction cost: 3 000 000 € HT
• Date: Delivered Janvier 2014