atelier mja uses reclaimed brick to shape community hub in paris
The Rosa Parks Community Center, designed by Atelier MJA, is located within a newly developed park near Paris, France. Positioned at the center of the landscape, the building functions as a community facility for local associations and nearby schools, accommodating activities such as workshops, cultural events, and recreational programs. The project is conceived as a compact, adaptable structure that integrates with its surroundings while serving a broad public program.
The architectural approach is based on simplicity, durability, and contextual integration. The building references the local architectural heritage of brick construction found in surrounding social housing. Brick is used as the primary material, both for its structural capacity and its long-term performance. A significant portion of materials from a previously demolished pavilion on site has been reused, contributing to both material continuity and resource efficiency.
all images by ©Milena Villalba
single-level plan and glazed facade link community hub to park
The building, designed by architectural practice Atelier MJA, is organized on a single level, with a clear spatial layout. Activity spaces are oriented toward the park, while service areas are positioned along the opposite side. A central corridor, lit from both ends, connects these zones. The reception area operates as a flexible space, functioning as an entry point, café, or exhibition area, and opens to both the forecourt and the park. Large rooms are illuminated through roof skylights, which also support natural ventilation.
The relationship between interior and landscape is emphasized through the building’s placement and openings. A fully glazed facade on the park side allows visual continuity and can be opened to extend activities outdoors. Existing trees are preserved and incorporated into the design to provide shading and define exterior spaces. Rainwater is directed into the surrounding landscape, where it is absorbed naturally.
The structural system consists of load-bearing brick walls combined with a timber roof structure spanning the full width of the building. This configuration eliminates the need for internal load-bearing elements, allowing flexibility in the interior layout. Brick is also expressed internally, where exposed walls and partitions contribute to durability and thermal mass.
material reuse and passive systems define low-tech building
Environmental performance is addressed through passive design strategies. The building form includes recessed areas and overhangs that provide solar protection. Brick walls and concrete flooring provide thermal inertia, stabilizing indoor temperatures. Natural ventilation is achieved through a combination of roof openings and facade elements, allowing the building to cool without mechanical systems.
Material selection prioritizes low-impact and natural components. Insulation is composed of hemp and wood wool, while finishes include linoleum flooring, timber joinery, and wood-based ceiling panels. Reclaimed materials from the site are reused in both construction and landscape elements, including outdoor seating and sub-base layers.
Through its use of brick, timber, and reclaimed materials, combined with a low-tech environmental strategy, Rosa Parks Community Center establishes a community building defined by durability, adaptability, and integration with its landscape.
project info:
name: Rosa Parks Community Center
architect: Atelier MJA (Maxime Jansens) | @atelier_mja
location: Paris, France
photographer: Milena Villalba | @milena_archphoto
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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom
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