The French Institute of Johannesburg, South Africa

Located in the city center near the Nelson Mandela Bridge, the building at 62 Juta Street houses the French Institute of Johannesburg. Two 291 m2 (3,132 sq. ft) floors present great potential: high ceilings, vast, bright, transversal spaces that are well-ventilated, with views of the trees to the north and the city skyline to the south. The IFAS project combines common spaces for temporary use on one floor and permanent, more private spaces on the other. For greater comfort, all the exterior joinery has been replaced by double-glazed aluminum. Exposure to the exterior, walk-through space, natural ventilation, and insulated bay windows eliminate the need for air conditioning and heating. When night falls, the building lights up with the colors of the French flag, clearly positioning the cultural institute in the public eye.