Archinect
LAN Architecture

LAN Architecture

Paris, FR

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Le Grand Palais des Champs Elysées

This project of restoration and redesign affords the chance to reinforce the aspiration of the Grand Palais to be a “culture machine,” a spatial means, which would exalt its “universal” and “republican” vocation. Our credo is to complete and strengthen its formal logic through interventions that return a sense of modernity to its whole, at the same time, respecting its traditional identity. The intervention, reevaluating the northern and southern focuses on the middle building; the Square Jean Perrin, new symbol and marker at the urban level, is an open square where two ramps guide the visitors from the level of the square to an underground level. By creating a progressive transition from the urban space to the galleries, ‘la Grande Rue des Palais’ organize the different entrance phases in a clear sequence before leading the public to the various activities offered; it becomes the connecting platform for all exhibitions. It is a majestic, open volume with multiple levels. Emphasizing the original east-west axis of the composition, it will allow the public to embrace the Grand Nave and the rotunda of the Palais d’Antin at the same time. Starting from the “déambulatoire” a circular parcours crosses the Grand Palais promoting its architecture; it continues along the rooftop and provides new vistas of Paris. The neighborhood of the Palais de la Découverte, the Grand Nave and the galleries offer a plural approach of the culture, stimulating the public. The integration of the innovative museographic concepts into the National Galleries furnishes diverse situations, enabling to host works, which were not really visible until now. Besides bringing the entire building to current codes and the augmentation of the capacity, the technical work aim at managing current logistic needs and anticipating their future evolutions. The five main design values found in the sustainable parts of the intervention include: Effectiveness, Sobriety, Strengthening Cultural Heritage, Minimal and Passive Intervention, and Remaining at the Service of Users.

 
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Status: Competition Entry
Location: Paris, FR
Firm Role: LAN (mandatory architect)
Additional Credits: Franck Boutté Consultants (sustainable design), Terrell (structure, façades, fluids), Michel Forgue (Quantity surveyor), Systematica (flux), Lamoureux (acoustic), Casso (Fire protection and accessibility engineers), CICAD (SCMC), BASE (landscaper), Mathieu Lehanneur (design).