The creation of the new headquarters of Gide, the top French international business law firm, is one of the most important redevelopments in Paris in recent years. Situated on Place Saint-Augustin, the headquarters embody the “metabolic” reconstruction of Paris within itself, as well as the creation of new corporate spaces for fostering collective intelligence.
© Jean-Philippe Mesguen
© Salem Mostefaoui
AN ARCHITECTURAL DIALOGUE BETWEEN TWO BUILDINGS, TWO ERAS AND TWO FUNCTIONS
The historic wing, which flanks the street, has seen its classical elegance and former grandeur as eighteenth-century buildings restored. This wing is now dedicated to welcoming the firm’s clients. On the courtyard side, stands a stunning office building, entirely rebuilt, with immense glazed surfaces supported by frames.
© Salem Mostefaoui
Between the two, acting as a link between heritage and modernity, there is a monumental pavilion designed as a place to exchange ideas and hold events.
Based on 15 years of research into the workplace topic, PCA-STREAM’s project is centered on the creation of a horizontal structure. The intention is to make a physical break from traditional vertical organizational structures.
© Jean-Philippe Mesguen
This is achieved thanks to vast open-plan floors, fluid circulation systems, glass offices and common areas (café, library, terraces), all set out around a veritable village square… As a result, Gide’s 600 lawyers and other members of staff meet and interact more frequently, information circulates, and synergies are reinforced.
© Jean-Philippe Mesguen
The new Gide headquarters boasts close to 4500m2 of outdoor areas, more than half of which is comprised of green spaces. This includes the garden, the planted terraces, the rooftop bar complete with its own kitchen garden intended for onsite consumption, and the external walkways on each floor. Thanks to modern tools and connectivity, these are mixed-use spaces for inspiration, exchange and even production. These spaces also provide comfort, biodiversity, heat insulation and environmental excellence.
Gallery
Project Credits
Architects: PCA-STREAM
Location: 15 rue de Laborde, 75008 Paris – France
Lead Architects: PCA-STREAM
Area: 18879.0 m2
Project Year: 2018
Manufacturers: Kvadrat Soft Cells, ROCAMAT
Assistant to the Contracting Authority: ARC
Contract Supervisor: Artelia
Structure: Kephren
Façades: GOYER
Environment: Green Affair
Plumbing/HVAC: Barbanel
Acoustics: A&C
Technical Inspection: Qualiconsult
Economist: Delporte
Health and Safety: LM3C
Fire Safety: CSD Faces
Landscaping: Topager, Les Jardins de l’Orangerie
External Lighting: LUMIERE STUDIO
Office Design: ARCHIMAGE
General Contractor: Eiffage
Locksmithing: AGM
Air Conditioning: LEFORT
Electrician: FIBOR