Ecole 42

Design by In&Edit Architecture (Co-founded by Bertrand Fairerol)

École 42, the private computer programming school founded by Xavier Niel, opened in 2013 in the 17th arrondissement of Paris with a radical new educational model: free, open, and based entirely on peer-to-peer learning.

In&Edit Architecture — co-founded at the time by Bertrand Fairerol (now of Studio Fairerol) — was commissioned to design a space that could support this innovative approach. The 4,200 sqm former government building was reimagined as a collaborative environment, combining large-scale open workstations with more intimate pods for focused teamwork.

The identity of the building was anchored by a perforated mesh façade, creating a bold street presence while improving thermal performance. Inside, bespoke furniture broke away from traditional geometry, reflecting the disruptive nature of digital culture and giving École 42 its distinctive architectural character.

  • Architecture In&Edit Architecture (Co-founded by Bertrand Fairerol)
  • Client Ecole 42
  • Location Paris

Designing École 42 was an opportunity to rethink what a learning environment could be. The project was ahead of its time — a space where architecture, technology, and collaboration came together to support a completely new way of teaching and learning.

Bertrand Fairerol

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