Crèche Origami Daycare Centre

Innovative Urban Daycare Project

The Crèche Origami Daycare Centre is located in a densely populated urban area in Geneva, bordered by the SBB railway tracks, Avenue de la Paix, and Rue Kazem-Radjavi. This project, financed by Japan Tobacco International (JTI), aims to cater to the children of JTI employees and Geneva residents. It was initiated in June 2013, completed in June 2015, and inaugurated in August 2015. Spanning a total building volume of 5,620 m³, the project reflects the innovative spirit of modern Geneva.

Unique Wave-Like Architecture

The daycare centre, designed by the architectural firm Group8 Sàrl, features a unique architecture that mimics an inhabited landscape with five undulating, offset strips. This design creates a cohesive aesthetic both indoors and outdoors, seamlessly integrating play areas with the surrounding environment. The facility accommodates up to 104 children and includes ample play and sleeping areas, a garden, a kitchen, and staff rooms, all topped with a distinctive wave-like green roof.

Eco-Friendly Construction Materials

The construction employs a mixed system with a metal vertical structure and wooden horizontal structures, aimed at maintaining a minimal footprint while achieving aesthetic appeal. Interior surfaces are designed with young children in mind, using simple materials like perforated plaster ceilings, painted walls, and linoleum floors. The building’s Minergie certification highlights its commitment to energy efficiency, with most technologies housed between the first-floor slab and an underground parking lot.

Public-Private Partnership Success

The Crèche Origami Daycare Centre is an example of a successful public-private partnership, showcasing the potential for cooperation between corporate and public sectors to meet community needs. The project underscores the importance of meticulous coordination in addressing logistical challenges like access, emergency exits, and ventilation. Since its opening, the daycare centre has provided a high-quality, intimate environment for children, distinct from its corporate surroundings, thus marking a significant contribution to the community's well-being and development.