The „Centre International du Design” is a new institution for communication, research and education in design. The project is situated on the historic site of the National Arms Manufacture in St. Etienne.
It involves the renovation of several historic buildings, as well as the integration of a new building the ‘platine’ (200 x32 m), an observation tower (31m high), two gardens and the Place d’Armes, a public esplanade.
The ‘platine’ is an interclimatic laboratory whose adaptive skin is enveloping several programs as an exhibition spaces, an auditorium, the ‘agora’, a greenhouse and a media- and material library. It is reacting on their different needs in terms of light and climate. It is also an expression of the different activities in the Cité du Design.