Constructed over a railway on the east side of paris, 'pink flamingo', a dormitory designed by french architect stéphane maupin, is a foundation-less building supported by 27 piloti connected to a concrete slab by spring boxes that isolate the structure from the vibrations of passing trains. a layered system of public spaces programmatically supports six stories of dwelling units above. at street level there are shops and a lobby to meet residents' needs. a ramp connects to the first floor for easy bicycle storage, while a cantilevered stair transports students to a meeting space that hangs over an open-air platform for sports activities.
On the roof, a garden accommodates a BBQ and communal area, panoramic views of the city. the residence is wrapped in a distinctive color palette. respectful of its main street context, two faces are painted with a neutral finish. however, the windows have yellow accents to reveal the youth of the inhabitants. this brightness is matched in the backyard with a red finish that pays homage to neighboring chinatown with artistic fans, bicycles, and bird cages adorning balcony railings. the irregular pattern of windows and terraces speaks to the variety of five apartment layouts inside the edifice.