Grande Arme-l1ve, restructuring modernism

“A project of restructuring allows to magnify a strong architectural gesture”, says Anne Speicher from our Paris office, explaining the fundamental idea behind the renovation of the former Peugeot headquarters near the Arc de Triomphe. The project involves an exciting, 110-metre-long façade in the central Parisian urban space. The existing concrete structure forms the backdrop for an innovative window system. This pattern works as simply as it does intelligently: Sober openings alternate with protruding box-type windows that are placed at different depths into the concrete structure. The elementary aspects of that architecture are implemented in the following manner: rhythm, plasticity and self-reliant order are mapped on the façade, which lends the address and project "Grande Armée-l1ve" a strong physiognomy. Yet, the project with 35.500 m² gross floor area accomplishes even more: open office structures, the former car showrooms on ground floor and large open spaces are combined to create an environment for working, communication and recreation. While the groundwork for such interventions was already laid out in the 1960s by the architects Sainsaulieu, Baumschlager Eberle Architects developed it further. This development included also includes the material handling of the old stock. Around 5,100 tonnes of demolition material were recycled as part of the circular economy. 80 tonnes were reused for the restructuring of "Grande Armée-live".