The facades in Paris are unmistakable: tall floors, "French" balconies, mansard roofs, average heights of 5−8 stories, pastel shades, and organic intertwinings of various architectural epochs from medieval Gothic to Renaissance.
One of the special features to note is the ability to seamlessly integrate modern architecture into historic urban fabric. There are examples in the magazine confirming this thesis, and I personally witnessed it while walking through the streets of the French capital (I have attached an example in today’s story).
Excluding well-known structures like the Louvre Pyramids or modern exhibitions like the Grand Palais Ephémère, the tradition of integrating glass and concrete into the historic districts of Paris began in the early 20th century. We wrote last year about the forerunner of this approach, La Maison de Verre.
Today’s project is the renovation of a former city administration building located on Morland Boulevard along the Seine in the 4th district. The task was to rejuvenate and make the environment of the brutalist complex more friendly to the city’s residents. Whether the team of David Chipperfield Architects Berlin succeeded is for you to judge, but the implementation definitely deserves to exist. Especially futuristic are the arcades of the entrance groups and the mirrored ceilings of the restaurant with panoramic views of the city, immersing you in the atmosphere of Nolan’s films.