‘press conference room’ for the french ministry of agriculture by h2o architectes, paris, france all images courtesy of h2o architectes

paris-based h2o architectes have completed a ‘conference room’ for the french ministry of agriculture, in paris, france. the client’s specific request was to create a project that would be both contemporary and timeless at the same time, in order to match the institution’s image and brand. the team focused on transforming this ‘technical tool’ into a space of representation and communication for the minister and its politicians. a high number of specialized equipment and utilities were integrated in the suspended ceiling in order to a clear a clean, bright and sun filled area.

the space is located at the ground floor of the ministry, rue de varenne in paris, in a monument listed for historical preservation. the four upper levels are supported by two existing columns which proved to be problematic for storing the resources. to allow for a more open volume, the pilasters were suppressed to reveal and provide more real estate in the room. at the back of the room, a grid acts as a matrix to organize the different elements from the floor to the ceiling. at the same time, a generous undulation expands onto the upper surface, covering the entire room.

h2o architectes: press conference room french ministry of agriculture undulating ceiling

the suspended ceiling is made of a series of boxes with variable altimetry. the slits between the cases allow for soft light to diffuse into the room. the depth of the surface and the technicality of the wooden containers allow the ability to conceal and insert all technical constraints and scenography equipment (structural beams, ventilation, lighting, speakers and acoustic treatment). the random perforation of the panels allow a treatment of soundproofing and creates a poetic model that diffuses light over the entire room. the koto wood used in the ceiling panels echoes the colors and tones as well as the patterns found in the flooring, tying the whole volume into a cohesive interior design.

h2o architectes: press conference room french ministry of agriculture window view

h2o architectes: press conference room french ministry of agriculture reduced supporting columns  

h2o architectes: press conference room french ministry of agriculture diffusing of lighting

h2o architectes: press conference room french ministry of agriculture computer nook

h2o architectes: press conference room french ministry of agriculture perforated panels

h2o architectes: press conference room french ministry of agriculture detail

h2o architectes: press conference room french ministry of agriculture model

h2o architectes: press conference room french ministry of agriculture interior installation

h2o architectes: press conference room french ministry of agriculture level / 0

h2o architectes: press conference room french ministry of agriculture section

project info:

program: press conference room for the french ministry of agriculture in a 19th century building listed as a historical monument location: rue de varenne, paris (75007) client: french ministery of agriculture team: h2o architectes with engineering – ingénierie louis choulet, hvac – cabinet virtz, economist – bmi, structural engineer – scène, scenography project area: 100m² delivery: december 2010 photo credits: stéphane chalmeau

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