PCA-STREAM AND GIDE UNVEIL “LABORDE” FORMER ROYAL BARRACKS TRANSFORMED INTO THE 21ST-CENTURY OFFICES OF A BUSINESS LAW FIRM
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.
Architecture, Construction & Design Awards 2020
Second Award | Office Building
Project Name: LABORDE
Studio Name: PCA-STREAM
Design Team: Joachim Ganuchaud (Project Director); Antonin Lacomme (Architect), Iulia Maria Delcea (Architect), Somanad Petitjean (Architect), Sophie Chabane (Architect), Nenad Basic, Carmen Maurice (Interior designer); Tifenn Le Guern (Interior designer
Area: 18 879 m2
Year: 2018
Location: 15 rue de Laborde, 75008 Paris
Consultants: Assistant to the Contracting Authority: ARC; Contract Supervisor: Artelia; Structure: Khephren; Façades: VS-A; Environment: Green Affair: Plumbing/HVAC: Barbanel; Acoustics: A&C; Technical Inspection: Qualiconsult; Economist: Delporte; Health and Safety: LM3C; Fire Safety: CSD Faces; Landscaping: Topager, La Superstructure; External Lighting: Lumiere Studio; Office design: Archimage
Photography Credits: Photography number 1 : ©JULIEN LANOO FOR PCA-STREAM / Photography number 2,5,6 : ©SALEM MOSTEFAOUI FOR PCA-STREAM / Photography number 3,4 : ©JEAN-PHILIPPE MESGUEN FOR PCA-STREAM
Other Credits: General contractor: Eiffage; Façades: Goyer; Locksmithing: AGM; Air Conditioning: Lefort; Electrician: Fibor; Landscaping realisation: Topager, Les Jardins de l’Orangerie
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. 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.
HORIZONTALITY AND TRANSPARENCY AS CATALYSTS FOR COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE
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. 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.
RECONNECTING WITH THE SKY AND NATURE
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.
KEY STAGES
1763: Construction of the Pépinière Barracks – or «Pologne Barracks» – to accommodate the French Guards, the regiment responsible for the protection of the king of France.
1861: Napoleon III decides to carry out expansion work on the Pépinière barracks to increase its capacity.
1925-1948: In the interwar period, the barracks loose their monumental entrance onto Place Saint Augustin. The entrance is demolished and replaced by the Cercle National des Armées. After the Liberation, a narrow high-rise barrack building is constructed at the back of the courtyard to meet the accommodation and office needs of the French army.
2015: The Ministry of Defense sells the building and PCA-STREAM is selected to redevelop it.
July 2016: Beginning of 25 months of construction work
October 2018: Project delivery
CERTIFICATIONS
BREEAM Very Good; HQE Renovation Excellent; HQE New Excellent; High Energy Performance Certification
