Construction has started on the second phase of La Plateforme, a project to transform 25,000 sq. m into a digital campus in Marseille, France.
La Plateforme is a digital and technology school supported by several companies in Marseille. This new campus is sponsored by Meridiam and the co-investment fund of France's urban renewal agency, ANRU, with additional backing from Banque des Territoires and Crédit Agricole Alpes Provence. In May 2022, La Plateforme and its partners chose Icade to aid in developing the new campus, working with the Encore Heureux architectural firm and Atelier Kristell Filotico as project manager, supported by the EPAEM Euroméditerranée urban planning agency.
The campus aims to exemplify economic, social, urban, and environmental impact, highlighting a commitment to low-carbon construction. Four of the six buildings are being repurposed from former industrial sites, reducing the project's carbon footprint, while the other two are newly constructed. The flat roof tiles from the demolished buildings will be repurposed for the new student residence, while damaged tiles will serve as mulch for the Mediterranean garden. Additionally, benches crafted from wooden beams and bicycle racks made from old metal frames will be installed. The site will feature increased green space, adding 1,600 sq.m of vegetation, and landscaped walkways utilizing recycled materials to create relaxing outdoor areas.