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Winners announced in design competition to 'prefigure the Paris of tomorrow'
A major international architecture competition for the urban regeneration of Paris has concluded, with 22 design teams selected to develop their innovative visions for the future of the French capital.
The project, called reinventer.paris, launched in November 2014 with an invitation for architects, designers, investors, companies, collectives and artists to “prefigure what the Paris of tomorrow might be” for “an urban experiment on an unparalleled scale.”
Over 800 proposals were received, and this was whittled down to 75 finalists before the final winners were announced on Wednesday (3 February).
The successful proposals – including entries from David Chipperfield, Sou Fujimoto and Olivier Palatre Architectes – each highlight an ecological and innovative approach to developing existing sites and buildings.
Several leisure entries have been accepted, and CLAD has listed some of the most eye-catching below.
Project: Morland
Architect: David Chipperfield Architects
Location: 4th arrondissement
The winning design opens up the existing 1950s structure. The two top floors will integrate an inhabitable artistic installation designed by Studio Other Spaces with a bar and restaurant. A hotel, youth hostel and food market will also feature, “establishing a new social and public landmark for the people of Paris.”
Project: Réalimenter MassénaArchitect: DGT Architects
Location: 13th arrondissement
The architects plan to reimagine this abandoned train station into a plant-covered tower that will be used by companies producing and selling healthy food.
Project: Mille ArbresArchitect: Sou Fujimoto and Manal Rachdi OXO Architects
Location: 13th arrondissement
Spanning Paris’s peripherique ring road, this glass structure will be topped by over a thousand trees. It will house flats and social housing, in addition to a community centre, kindergarten and play area.
Project: Etoile Voltaire Architect: Olivier Palatre Architectes
Location: 11th arrondissement
This former electricity sub-station built in the early 1900s will be transformed into a multi-screen cinema and entertainment venue. The historic facade will be preserved.
Project: Collective CoulangesArchitect: Sahuc & Katchoura and François Chatillon Architecte
Location: Rue des Francs Bourgeois
The Hotel de Coulanges – a private 2,000sq m (21,500sq ft) mansion built in the 17th and 18th centuries – will be transformed into a cultural centre for fashion and design.
Project: L'Auberge Buzenval Architect: Studios d’architecture Ory et Associés
Location: Rue de Buzenval
A disused building on a bustling commercial street will be transformed into a hostel with flexible space for co-working and band rehearsals. The rooftop terrace will be open to residents and tourists.
Project: La Fabrique de la danseArchitect: Atelier Secousses
Location: Gambetta Avenue
The 700sq m (7,500sq ft) site of a former garage is to be transformed into a new centre of modern dance for Paris.