Atelier MJA's Rosa Parks Community Center in Paris integrates reclaimed brick and passive design
Maxime Jansens’ Atelier MJA has finalized the Rosa Parks Community Center, situated in a new park close to Paris, France. This single-story facility caters to local schools and associations, offering workshops, cultural activities, and recreational programs. Its design draws inspiration from the brickwork of nearby social housing and incorporates reclaimed materials from an on-site demolished pavilion. A fully glazed facade facing the park enhances visual connectivity and extends outdoor activities. The building's structure features load-bearing brick walls paired with a timber roof, allowing for flexible interior layouts without internal supports. Sustainable elements include solar protection from overhangs, thermal mass from brick and concrete, and natural ventilation through skylights. Eco-friendly materials such as hemp insulation, linoleum flooring, and wood wool are prioritized. The project, captured by photographer Milena Villalba, was submitted to designboom through its DIY submissions and edited by Christina Vergopoulou. The center focuses on resilience, versatility, and harmony with its surroundings through a low-tech design approach.
Key facts
- Atelier MJA designed the Rosa Parks Community Center in Paris, France
- The building uses reclaimed brick from a previous pavilion on site
- It serves local associations and schools with workshops and events
- A fully glazed facade opens to the park for visual and physical continuity
- The structure features load-bearing brick walls and a timber roof
- Passive design includes solar protection, thermal mass, and natural ventilation
- Materials include hemp insulation, linoleum flooring, and wood wool
- Photography was done by Milena Villalba
Entities
Artists
- Maxime Jansens
- Milena Villalba
- Christina Vergopoulou
Institutions
- Atelier MJA
- designboom
Locations
- Paris
- France