Grande Armée L1ve Office Building,
design: Baumschlager Eberle Architekten
The former headquarters of French automobile conglomerate Peugeot Citroën, located on Avenue de la Grande Armée in Paris, has undergone a comprehensive revitalization that has given it a new, modern character while retaining historical references to the site's significance. The building was initially planned for demolition, but thanks to the unanimous position of the City of Paris, the investor and the team of architects, it was decided to restore it. The Austrian architectural firm Baumschlager Eberle Architekten was responsible for the project, developing a concept that combines contemporary solutions with respect for the existing urban fabric and the needs of the users.
The L1ve building, the former Peugeot Citroën headquarters located on Avenue de la Grande Armée in Paris - view of the facade from the street side
photo by Cyrille Weiner © Baumschlager Eberle Architekten
international style architecture
as a symbol of the consumerist changes of the 1960s.
The building, completed between 1962 and 1964, is located near the Arc de Triomphe and is a distinctive feature of the wide Parisian boulevard. Designed by the Sainsaulieu brothers in the international style, the building is distinguished by a 100-meter-long exhibition space spread over three floors, hidden behind a monumental 110-meter-high facade. The space was conceived as a showcase for the French automotive manufacturer, reflecting the changing attitudes toward consumption in the 1960s and its growing role in society.
The L1ve building, the former Peugeot Citroën headquarters located on Avenue de la Grande Armée in Paris - a photo of the building's facade before its modernization by Baumschlager Eberle Architekten
© Baumschlager Eberle Architekten
The ambitious goals of the building's renovation
The renovation project was based on three key assumptions: preserving the building's character, taking into account both its function and historical identity, creating a public space conducive to social interaction, and introducing modern technological and visual solutions for its distinctive facade. The design assumptions adopted have been adapted to contemporary urban planning challenges and utility standards. The building now integrates urban space with elements of nature, combining the façade with green roof terraces that serve a recreational function and promote sustainability.
The L1ve building, the former Peugeot Citroën headquarters located on the Avenue de la Grande Armée in Paris - a photo of the building before modernization
© Baumschlager Eberle Architekten
The building's façade is a perfect example of the realization of our concept. We wanted to achieve a subtle but distinctive reinterpretation of the original structure
- Anne Speicher explains,
Managing Director of the Paris office
Baumschlager Eberle Architekten.
bringing nature into architecture:
changes in office space
The lump of the building has been preserved in its original form. The interior courtyards have been transformed into public gardens and a spacious covered area. Thegallery facing Avenue de la Grande Armée has been turned into a 100-meter-long glass lobby that effectively connects the building to its surroundings. The rooftops, previously dominated by technical installations, have been transformed into green terraces and gardens accessible to users, offering a space for relaxation and integration surrounded by nature.
The L1ve building, the former Peugeot Citroën headquarters located on Avenue de la Grande Armée in Paris - elevation drawing
© Baumschlager Eberle Architekten
The harmony of concrete and bronze in the building's facade
The façade on Avenue de la Grande Armée has been modernized to meet modern building standards while retaining the original structure. An arrangement of alternating inset and overhanging windows with bronze frames improves both the thermal and visual properties of the window openings. The varying depth of the window frames introduces a new rhythm into the street space, creating a dynamic effect.
The L1ve building, the former Peugeot Citroën headquarters located on Avenue de la Grande Armée in Paris - the facade features an arrangement of alternating inset and overhanging windows with bronze frames
Photo by Cyrille Weiner © Baumschlager Eberle Architekten
The vertical bronze stripes are a distinctive element both in the renovated interiors and on the facade of the inner courtyard. The use of white brick on the rear facade references the building's industrial character, while its contemporary integration into the surroundings allows it to integrate with the architecture of the residential Rue Pergolèse.
The L1ve building, the former Peugeot Citroën headquarters located on Avenue de la Grande Armée in Paris - first floor plan
© Baumschlager Eberle Architekten
public space at the heart of the facility
The first floor of the building was designed for maximum accessibility to the general public. It is occupied by restaurants, cafes, fitness studios and an auditorium for 200 people. Recycled elements were used in the space - granite blocks from the facade of the original building were incorporated into the gallery floor. Concrete columns and high ceilings, according to the architects, are meant to relate to the church nave space.
The L1ve building, the former Peugeot Citroën headquarters located on Avenue de la Grande Armée in Paris - the building, completed between 1962 and 1964, is located near the Arc de Triomphe and is a distinctive feature of the wide Parisian boulevard
photo by Cyrille Weiner © Baumschlager Eberle Architekten
design of office spaces in Paris
Nine floors overlooking Avenue de la Grande Armée and five facing Rue Pergolèse house offices. The building's exposed concrete structure has been juxtaposed with a variety of materials, such as bronze, wood on the floors and metal finishes on the ceilings, which introduces variation in the details and textures of the space.
The L1ve building, the former Peugeot Citroën headquarters located on the Avenue de la Grande Armée in Paris - a view of the interior with concrete columns and high ceilings, which, according to the architects, is meant to reference a church nave space
photo by Cyrille Weiner © Baumschlager Eberle Architekten
The transformation also extended to the roof, which instead of serving a traditional technical function has been transformed into green terraces. These changes ensure that the building not only meets contemporary functional requirements, but also enriches the quality of life for Paris residents by offering new ways to enjoy the space.
The L1ve building, the former Peugeot Citroën headquarters located on Avenue de la Grande Armée in Paris - the transformations also included the roof, which instead of serving a traditional technical function has been transformed into green terraces
Photo by Cyrille Weiner © Baumschlager Eberle Architekten
The concept of reorganizing the existing structure, rather than building new structures, was also consistently applied to the construction process. Material reuse was an important element, and was a key aspect of this project. The construction work resulted in the removal of a total of 5,615 tons of debris, of which as much as 5,165 tons, or 92%, were recycled.
Compiled by Anastazja Dżupina
Illustrations provided courtesy of Baumschlager Eberle Architekten.