Project
11-23 rue d'Alsace
Client
ING Atemi
Program
Rehabilitation of an industrial building into offices and housing
Location
Paris, France
Delivery
2009
Surface Area
25,458 m²
Architects
Bechu & Associés
Interior architecture (common areas) : Volume ABC
PERFORMANCES
HQE Approach
Photographer
© Fernando Javier Urquijo
Alsace street hosts a large number of buildings constructed along this street honoring industrial and railway architecture.
Running along the west side of gare de l'est, alsace street hosts a large number of buildings constructed along this street honoring industrial and railway architecture from the second half of the 19th century. This is the case for the building located at numbers 11 to 23 which occupies the plot up to rue du faubourg-saint-denis. Until recently, it was entirely used as offices by sncf but has since undergone restructuring and in-depth revitalization. While the national railway operations center has once again acquired a headquarters, some of the renovated (and open-plan) offices are now rented to other companies.
The former archives have been transformed into a loft.
In addition to the new apartments overlooking the surrounding neighborhood, the former archives have been transformed into lofts and existing furniture into cupboards and shelving. Two of the former inner courtyards as well as the former central restaurant have been provided with large glass roofs, one of which is very elegantly curved and inspired by the columnless vaults (wuliang dian) of chinese palaces accessible by train from gare de l'est via the trans-europe-express, the trans-siberian and the trans-manchurian.
These crystalline roofs have created bright spaces for relaxation and services.
These crystalline roofs have created bright spaces for relaxation and services in the courtyards that organize the different activity centers and their articulation. The entrances to these courtyards have been enlarged through the creation of an interior street on the upper level and a transverse street connecting two existing streets open to the public during the day. The large gable walls overlooking the transverse street have been planted by patrick blanc. This vast mixed-use plot, now usable by the public, creates a high level of urbanity and reintegrates the building into the urban fabric, adopting a modern approach that also enhances its heritage.
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