ora ito: aire de la chaponne, highway rest area burgundy, france

‘l-aire de la chaponne’ is a 24 hour highway rest area located on the A6 autoroute, linking paris to lyon. designer ora ito sought to create a ‘non-architecture’ by integrating program into

the volume of a hill. an ample green roof makes a single entity of structure and environment. the landscape is an inhabited shelter containing a sleek curved program of eateries and seating,

while a prairie-like exterior helps break the monotony of vehicular travel by providing an opportunity to picnic and play. the circular arrangement of the space makes for optimal visibility

and practicality, allowing a totem-like smattering of signage distinguished by shape and color. the fluidity of the form remains warm, harmonious and reassuring at night when the volume of

the building is illuminated from the ground and trees.

‘aire de la chaponne’ image © ora-ïto | main image © fabrice dunou | all images courtesy of ora-ïto / fabrice dunou

pavers give way to a green-topped dome image © fabrice dunou

a view of the futuristic, curved petrol station image © fabrice dunou

‘aire de la chaponne’ by ora-ïto, burgundy, france image © ora ito

wooden slats cover the surface of the vending area’s overhang image © fabrice dunou

green spaces are reclaimed after construction image © ora ito

the signage shines brilliantly against the hillside at night  image © fabrice dunou