Some have also chosen school for this reason

In opening his new Lille campus brand-new, last Friday, the Edhec struck a great blow. And a serious head start on most of the great schools of the hexagon. The new site brings about what is best in this area: a park of 8.5 hectares planted of century-old trees, ultra-modern buildings of concrete and glass, certified HQE (high environmental quality) for the core, a multitude of spaces where students can work in small groups or relax, sports equipment of choice (swimming pool, gym)(, gyms...), residences for students and teachers... All equipped with the latest technologies for Internet broadband and e-learning. Installed next to Roubaix, it is served by the tram and bus. "With this new equipment, we define the foundations of the European campus of the 21st century", welcomes Olivier Oger, the Director-General. At the same time, the "business school" raises a question: how designs on campus today Current issue, an hour of the campus Plan and reconciliations of institutions, and then that the next move on the outskirts of several large Parisian schools (Mines, Telecom ParisTech, Agro) made waves.

The subject is not neutral, far away. A well designed and comfortable living environment promotes not only the quality of learning - it is obvious - but also the development of the personality of the students. There is a substantial influence on the conduct of studies. Not to mention that a "successful" campus has a real soft-power - especially for foreign students. A point to not neglect, at the time where higher education is part of a logic of competition on a global scale.

Access to the cultural life

On this subject, two emerging models - each with its advantages and weaknesses. First, the campus on the outskirts of cities, even in the open countryside. This is the model American", or the Saclay, in building. That still of CET to Jouy-en-Josas, Insead in Fontainebleau and the X in Palaiseau. Its strengths: large green areas, sports grounds, buildings of generous size, which can add easily new construction. The problem lies in the distance and transportation. Result: students who live on the spot can concentrate on their studies, but sometimes have the impression of living in a ghetto.

Contrast, the downtown campus. The example type is the Sorbonne or the ESCP Europe in Paris. Similarly, Skéma-Lille is three minutes walk from the station of Euralille, Grenoble EM two steps from the TGV. The new Parisian campus of the Essca at Boulogne (Hauts-de-Seine) is part of this trend. This urban anchorage is generally a good argument to seduce students. "With five sites in the heart of European capitals, the school gives us access to the cultural life (cinemas, theatres, exhibitions...). in each country, says Edouard Laurent, in 3rdyear ESCP Europe. And this allows us to better understand the various facets of European reality. Some have also chosen school for this reason. "But this type of campus deadline extension opportunities - especially when housing climbs. Grenoble EM thus had to build a 9-storey tower to expand.

Between these two conceptions, several campus opt for the compromise. Site the new University of Tolbiac, Paris, there are shops, businesses, cultural facilities, and even residential buildings: the University is thus "integrated" in the city. Same logic in Strasbourg: a few minutes are enough to reach the historic centre. "It's already old choice." "We attach great importance to the quality of life and the conditions of our students study", exposes Eric Elkouby, Deputy Mayor. The University of São Paulo (USP), the Brazil, occupies even a huge park in the heart of the town. At Nantes, Bordeaux, Lyon, were grouped in the outskirts large schools or universities, but nursed the workstations.

Remains that the legacy of the past weighs heavy. Most often, architects and decision makers must juggle with sites developed by successive strata, without a long-term vision. "The campus legacy of the 1960s, from U3M and University 2000, plans are interesting, but very diverse heritage, said Laurence Lipsky, firm specialized in educational sites Lipsky-Rollet, one of the few architects.". Need to increase the density of these campuses, their reviving. But this must be of University Presidents to work with architects in the long term.