Leyteire Courtyard / by Debarre Duplantiers Associés Architecture & Paysage

The historical centre of Bordeaux University sets a new beginning : the Opération Campus begins with urban design at its heart. These spaces are currently closed, intended solely for receiving deliveries, however the project intends to turn them into a lively heart of the University, where intermingling can take place. The initial meaning of “campus” can be retrieved through an intense central green space.

© Arthur Péquin

This series of courtyards becomes a network of interactive spaces, as well as a part of the city : a number of facilities animate the center of the square (museum, café , amphitheaters) and contribute to its urban value. The addition of planted elements lends a human scale to the existing hardscape by providing shade, delineating paths, and acting to filter air, sound, and light that enters the space.

This, in turn, combats the Urban Heat Island Effect, providing more pleasant interior spaces during the hot summer months.

In plan, a certain hierarchy is established between the wide-open center, and more intimate spaces along the space’s edges. This variety of spaces invites a wide range of activities common for a university campus, from eating lunch in the sun, to meeting with colleagues and professors, to hosting celebrations and festivals.

Project’s name : Leyteire Courtyard
Adress : Rue Leyteire / Rue Broca, Victor Segalen University – Bordeaux
Brief : exterior spaces
Client : “Opération Campus” – Bordeaux University
Architects : Anouk Debarre landscape architect, Martin Duplantier architect, Yon Anton Olano light design
Completion : 2012
Area : 1 900 sqm of concrete, 450 sqm of green area
Vegetation : Judea trees, camellia, chamaerops Humilis, arbours, choisya ternata, cornus – kousa
Construction : grounds in poured-in-place concrete. Pre-cast concrete furniture.
Materials : grounds in coloured concrete, with either broomed or desactivated finish with a 3cm stone mix.
Wooden stage and steps in limestone.
Grey concrete furniture. Water table in dark grey polished concrete.
Construction Cost : 0,9 M€