The project for the Fondation Maisons pour étudiants Lausanne (FMEL) is set as part of a building composed of rooms and studios for university students in Lausanne. With the intention of creating a space for both meetings and relaxation, the central atrium of the Residence, previously an empty space, was transformed in an “oasis” where the residents can organise social gatherings, small concerts or just to meet up to share a meal, work and play. Supported by the idea of constant evolution of social habits and activities, the whole projet rests on the notions of flexibility and adaptability. It is a playground for appropriation and an invitation to creativity and expression of its inhabitants. The intention was to create a space in constant mutation, living through the energy and input of its users. These modern notions of flexibility, appropriation and diversity of use resulted in a playful and flexible layout. The modular bespoke furniture was skilfully crafted by a local artisan in solid oak and combines a formal declension of banquette seating and tables that can be assembled in multiple ways to adapt the space to the different activities proposed by the residents. It joins a platform whose steps expand to offer students freedom of use: sometimes as a stage, a yoga deck or even as a platform chill-zone for poetic lectures, and many other uses. To emphasise the idea of unlimited inspiration, Studio Julia Christ collaborated with young artists and designer duo George and Raffy Greaves to create a whimsical 50m2 mural to complete the new atmosphere of the atrium, bringing colour and joy to the space. The materiality of the furniture and the colour range chosen is a dialogue between the architecture of the existing building and the introduction of a new playful and welcoming dynamic.