LAN architecture studio in paris, france
image © designboom


on a recent trip to france, designboom met up with umberto napolitano and benoit jallon of LAN architecture
to visit their office space in paris. in our exclusive feature, we take a look at the young practice's most
recent works as well as their decidedly minimalist workspace.

located north of the seine, the studio is housed in a two-level unit in a five-storey courtyard building.
featuring a half mezzanine level, the overall layout of the office is driven lengthwise from the main floor.
working stations are located on one side of the space, both on and beneath the loft, while a long table and
bench set-up serves as a communal meeting area. industrial in feel, some of the structure's original elements
such as the steel columns and crown molding were left intact. natural daylighting effect is maximized
through the white-washed furniture, floor, walls, and ceiling.



lower level office space
image © designboom


LAN, which stands for 'local architecture network' was set up in 2002 by jallon and napolitano
after graduating from paris-la villette architecture school in 2001. investigative in nature,
their agency aims to explore the idea of networks within the architectural subject,
approaching every design as an excavation through a multitude of context.



'jardin des plantes' (2010) in paris, france
image courtesy LAN architecture


their recent work with paris' 'jardin des plantes' illustrates the firm's questioning nature, pushing the boundaries
of the traditional 'greenhouse' and the organization of the 'museum'. consisting of four entirely renovated and
restructured greenhouses, the project is laid out in an organic passageway that unfolds from one to the next,
grouping together forms and colours to provide an immersive experience. the structure is dissolved to blur
the architecture while illuminating the vegetation. the paths themselves are designed to blend in with the environment.



interior pathway of the greenhouse
image courtesy LAN architecture



mezzanine overlooking the long tables
image © designboom



work space on the loft level
image © designboom


after wining the competition in 2008, 'EDF archives center' by LAN was recently completed in bure, france.
the project aims to obtain energy-efficiency through the use of an intelligent morphology, a high performance skin,
choice of adapted systems and the production of renewable energy. the building's ecological footprint is reduced
through wastewater management.



rendering and 3D model of 'EDF archives centre' (2010) in bure, france
images courtesy LAN architecture



exterior view, after completion
to see more images of the project, click here



umberto napolitano in the meeting room
image © designboom



neoit jallon at his desk
image © designboom


the firm's most recent competition wins include the design of an office building in lille, france,
and a residential and retail building on the new cardinet chalabre urban development zone in paris.
read our coverage of the projects by clicking through to their page.



'sogeprom offices' by LAN architecture (2010-2013) in lille, france
image courtesy LAN architecture



image courtesy LAN architecture
to read more about the competition-winning design and for technical drawings, click here



'ZAC saussure pont ardinet' in paris, france (2010-2013)
image courtesy LAN architecture
to fine out more about the winning design, click here



LAN architecture partners umberto napolitano and benoit jallon
portrait © designboom