Architecture, Renovations, Interior refurbishments and design, Urban planning and Landscape architecture are a range of expertise for Geneva, Paris and Rhône-Alpes based architects widely known as GMAA- GM Architectes Associés, which were founded in 1990. Their approach is to provide project-specific solutions based on research that creates an idea synthesising environmental, legal, financial and technical requirements. Their clientele speaks for their innovative skill set of manifesting the relationship between an individual and architecture based on a common understanding. The quality of architectural work blended with aesthetics and sustainability makes their practice unique.
Villa LAC | GMAA
Villa LAC is a private residence of 550 sq.m area. GMAA envisioned it as a Pause point between the chaotic road on the west and the peaceful & serene view of Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc to the east. This contrast can be perceived on each of its facades. The northwest elevation is massive and opaque, with a single opening of the Main Entrance having a view of the Lake. The southeast elevation is mainly a transparent curtain so that the Lake and the Alps become a permanent landscape for every space.
Meditation pavilion & garden
The GMAA created the award-winning meditation pavilion and garden in 2013. The pavilion and garden are created for a private residence. The Project is aligned in the East-West direction axis; the building is aligned along the north-south rectangular pool. This symmetrical structure is surrounded by vertical ash wood slats creating a deck projecting over the pool. The partitions on the longer sides of this steel-framed pavilion slide back to open the middle section of the covered space to the water, while skylights allow natural light inside. The interior includes changing rooms, a bathroom and a summer kitchen with storage. An integrated misting system along the eaves heightens the calming experience of the space.
Sequoia House | GMAA
The eyesight directly catches the green trees and tiny forest around through large heightened sliding windows all around; this is the main experience of Sequoia House designed by GMAA. The site is located on the modest surface of a residential neighbourhood. The project aimed to eliminate the separated internal and external spaces. Sequoias and redwoods in gardens dominate the flora of the site; thus, the project is carefully placed in a manner to cause no harm. Since the land has a light west-to-east slope. The major three volumes were created underneath, the green grass-covered roof sloping upward with the same angle. The first volume exclusively includes private spaces with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The second volume is at 45° angle with the first below, having 4m high sliding windows. It includes the living room, kitchen, office and entrance. The basement consists of a service area.
Vitam Parc Neydens
Vitam Parc Neydens, designed by GMAA in collaboration with L35 Architects, is a leisure and shopping complex that opened in 2009 and has an area of 43,000 sq.m. in Neydens. Despite the challenge of planning the large-scale project within the scenic environs and immediate context of a residential area, this massive project fits almost organically with the landscape. This user-oriented facility comprises sports and wellness areas, shops, and restaurants emphasising wellness. It is quite a fresh concept with its thematic character that changes the standards of contemporary trends on how leisure activities are planned. The project has included a wide range of amenities like a wellness area, a water park with indoor & outdoor pools, a sports centre, an indoor Climbing gym and a commercial zone with a supermarket, six restaurants and a hotel with 83 rooms. Architects have intentionally designed the structure which absorbs the topographical characteristics and continues them. The visual connection between built environment and the differential spaces is a recurring theme of the design.
Epilogue | GMAA
So to conclude, GMAA’s unique approach to provide user-based design solutions and way of gapping the bridge between a the built environment and an individual’s requisite in any category whether it be a private space or a public space, ia s certainly quite innovative in contemporary manner.
Renovation of Music Conservatory
Geneva Conservatory of Music is an emblematic building of Geneva’s heritage situated in Place De Neuve since 1850. It was requisite to consider the historical aspect of the windows which were to be preserved. For the improved acoustic quality of space, the optimal sound insulation of windows has been applied. The terrace doors were refurbished to be used for emergency exits. The delicate work of doors consists of two openings, two fixed sides and arched transoms with radiating glazing bars. These transformations were made while respecting the original distribution and mouldings.
Maison de Rousseau et de la Littérature
Maison de Rousseau et de la Littérature is a renovation project for the modest museum. The museum is the birth house of well-known writer Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Opened in 2013, The House of 700 sq.m area; comprises an arcade on the ground floor & first floor and state-owned offices on floors above. The renovation by GMAA is having a combination of sobriety, inventiveness and luminosity in space as it overlooks a narrow Old Town Street. MRL’s load-bearing walls have scraped off plaster layers to be painted with lime paint. The renovation also included the aspect of lacking natural light with the provision of a skylight from roof. The combination of metal & glass is used for contemporary aesthetics.
Geneva wellness centre | GMAA
Geneva wellness centre, designed by GMAA, and widely known as Bain-Bleu Spa & Hammam, is located in Cologny, Switzerland and was completed in 2015. This contemporary building has an area of 3000 sq.m. on the lake shore of Geneva Lake. The wellness centre includes Indoor and Outdoor pools, a Hammam and a spa circuit, Relaxation areas, two Cafes and a panoramic Terrace with a beautiful view of the lake and the Jura Mountains. Prefabrication is a significant factor in its conception of the outcome. The decision of mineral aesthetics for the facade is made to integrate the Genève-Plage Landmark, an ensemble of concrete architecture built in the 1930s.
Foundation Carmignac
Foundation Carmignac, envisioned by GMAA, is located in the heart of Porquerolles Island, a natural monument. Thus, the protection of the site is a crucial aspect of the project. The project, built in 2018, has a site area of 25,000 sq. ft. The project is designed as an extension of a Provençal villa to keep the spatial configuration and architectural language intact while experimenting with its contemporary character. The project strives on the concept of adaptivity in the spirit of the existing buildings; hence the project is conceived underground, without modifying the outline of the house and landscape. The museum has opaque stone walls and terraces. The openings intend to shape the specific views of the landscape, giving a sense of direction. The project is a tight blend of 3 facts- its context, content and architecture. The museum has quite a sober character, but the eye-catching element is the water ceiling, the surface embedding the building, letting in natural light and illuminating the spaces under it.
Hotel Carina, Zermatt
Awarded for its showcase of innovative architecture, visionary interior decor and the skilful integration of design, art and culture is the Hotel Carina in Zermatt by GMAA. Its design is inspired by a consideration of cultivating a set of values that include accommodations, gastronomy and leisure and business. Its functional design dictates the methodological use of shapes, materials, colours, light and space, redefining the experience rooted in simplicity. The unique customised bay windows are carpentered from fir wood by Partl in Zermatt.
Grenade Apartments | GMAA
The grenade 15 Apartments by GMAA is composed of eight levels, having semi-underground parking spaces for cars and a basement. The basement is located 1.5m below the water table, which makes it challenging to integrate an innovative solution for water seepage conditions. Thus after research, architects have integrated the jet grouting enclosure with shoring for the basement condition. It has reinforced concrete and waterproof concrete for the basement.
Bibliography
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Dan Howarth |19 September 2016 Leave a comment (2016) Gmaa’s meditation pavilion and garden creates a contemplative atmosphere at Swiss Home, Dezeen. Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2016/09/19/gm-architectes-associes-meditation-pavilion-garden-architizer-2016-a-awards-geneva-switzerland/ (Accessed: December 29, 2022).
Tapia, D. (2019) Villa Lac House / GMAA – GM Architectes Associés, ArchDaily. ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/926150/villa-lac-house-gmaa-nil-gm-architectes-associes?ad_medium=office_landing&ad_name=article (Accessed: December 29, 2022).
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Spycher, F. (2020) The Carina has been awarded with the classifications of “swiss lodge” and “Design & lifestyle”, Hotel Carina. Available at: https://carinazermatt.ch/en/the-carina-has-been-awarded-with-the-classifications-of-swiss-lodge-and-design-lifestyle/ (Accessed: December 31, 2022).
Chaix, B. (2021) Rénovation de la Maison de Rousseau – UN Projet Mené avec patience et Parfois Douloureusement, Tribune de Genève. Tamedia Publications romandes S.A. Available at: https://www.tdg.ch/un-projet-mene-avec-patience-et-parfois-douloureusement-362431639062 (Accessed: December 30, 2022).
