Architecture School (ENSAN)

A school open to the city

The project to build a new architecture school in Nantes was initiated in the mid 1990s, with a view to increasing the student body and improving teaching methods by using new technologies.

The new school has a prime location on the Ile de Nantes in a dynamic urban setting at the heart of the city, The school opened in February 2009, bringing nearly 800 students to the island. This is the first stone in the future "creative arts district".

The project was designed by the agency Lacaton et Vassal to be a school open to the city. With the easy access and spaces open to the public (exhibition area, library and amphitheatre), as well as a large rooftop terrace overlooking the city, people are encouraged to come enjoy the new facilities.

The new Architecture School of Nantes is part of the national program to modernize architecture schools initiated by the Ministry of Culture. 

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