LA VILLETTE

Formerly the village of La Villette, this neighborhood of new cultural and artistic horizons is located in the north of the 19th arrondissement.

Halfway between the Paris of yesterday and today, La Villette is a district in full renewal. In just a few years, it has become a dynamic and philanthropic hub, combining contemporary architecture, leisure, culture and nature to become one of Paris’s must-see attractions.

Urban and cultural, the Parc de la Villette is one of the largest in the capital. In fine weather, its lawns play host to prestigious open-air events such as the Jazz and Film Festivals, and throughout the year, its museums and leisure facilities are open to the public. We particularly appreciate the Cité de la Musique and the Philharmonie de Paris, with its fabulous, innovative building designed by Jean Nouvel.

Transforming a commercial space, using light, space and raw materials in a way that respects the existing building.

Before …

Target

Convert a commercial space on the first floor of a 1980s building into living space, while revealing the qualities of the existing building.

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Course of action

The building’s orientation (East-West), its relationship to the exterior (garden and street) and its structure (reinforced concrete) were the three characteristics that guided the design process.

The plan expresses this orientation, allowing the building to “follow the sun” throughout the day, and thus to have a living space that changes atmosphere according to the light. The existing reinforced concrete structure organizes the apartment and creates sequences. It is also the starting point for the materiality. The brutality of concrete contrasts with the warmth of oak and the preciousness of stainless steel. The painted oak floor is deliberately neutral and light, like a backdrop for the furniture. Framing is used to reveal, give depth, set the scene or escape. They create transversal relationships between the reception and service areas.

Achievement

To make the transition from commercial to residential use, the street entrance was modified to create a new relationship with the street, and to distance the building from it by opening onto the garden.

A new street façade was created, and the first floor was turned into a living space by “inhabiting” the windows: in the kitchen in the living area and the dressing room in the bedroom.

On the garden side, a generous bench was created to encourage contemplation.

The building presented a number of technical constraints, notably the presence of water and air drainage systems. Meticulous work had to be carried out on site on the false ceilings to keep the volumes uncluttered and make them a strength of the project.

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Original plans & project

An ambience combining raw elegance and luminous warmth.

L'ARCHITECTE Louis EISENLHOR

architectes@archik.fr

Crédits photosPhilippe Billard
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FLANDRES

Located in the 19^th arrondissement, the Flandres district enjoys an arty atmosphere thanks to its proximity to the Ourcq canal.

Famous for its renovated post-industrial buildings, the Flandres district is known for its sculptural architecture, such as the Flandre Organs. Designed by architect Martin Van Trek, they are over 120 metres high and impress with their mirror symmetry. The district is a veritable canvas for artists who express themselves on the facades of buildings, street furniture and bridges, offering ephemeral and sometimes monumental works of art in the streets.
Housed in the city’s former funeral parlour, the Centquatre, a space for cultural cooperation, hosts the annual Circulation festival, dedicated to young European photography. The district is also home to numerous food shops, organic grocery shops, summer terraces and local wine shops, creating a friendly, warm and pleasant environment for the residents to enjoy.

Resolutely modern and urban, the Flandres district seduces by its vitality and its ambient multi-culturalism.

BASSIN DE LA VILLETTE

Along the canal de l'Ourcq, the Bassin de la Villette district is appreciated by its residents for its trendy cafés, its cultural venues and its bold architecture.

Life in the district flows peacefully. There are markets, food shops, organic grocery shops and small independent wine shops, a real paradise for epicureans. Numerous cultural and convivial places have taken up residence here, such as the Pavillon des Canaux, a committed third place with an eclectic programme and a festive atmosphere.

The district is also known for its dizzying architecture, which is partly due to the german architect Martin Schulz Van Treeck, with the Sonata, Fugue, Cantata and Prelude towers. Another major work by this construction virtuoso is les Orgues de Flandres, which are designed with inward and outward steps to create perfect geometry and symmetry. Photographers with a passion for architecture will be well served here!

A lively and attractive district, with the Ourcq Canal and its marina inviting you to relax.