SANAA reveals plans for samaritaine paris

'la samaritaine' by SANAA, paris, france
images courtesy of SANAA


kazuyo sejima and ryue nishizawa of pritzker prize winning studio SANAA have released plans for the redesign of
la samaritaine, paris. as announced last year, the historic 1869's structure is set to become a mixed-use development
including commercial space, offices and social housing.

with construction set to begin next month, the building aims to revitalize the neighborhood's economic and commercial
environment while strengthening the residential character.



new glazed facade


upon completion in 2013, the vast and iconic landmark will feature an architectural identity lingering between creation
and conservation, old and new. recognizing its importance in the historical landscape of the city, the design looks to
above all, restore many of the original elements, including - where possible - the glass floor and the great exterior canopy.



new rue de rivoli entrance


a transparent, almost immaterial new facade on rue de rivoli contrasts the composition of varied and mismatched additions,
its undulating and milky surface developing a dialogue between indoors and out, itself and the neighborhood. a repetitious
vertical rhythm replicates the formal language of the existing structure, its gentle curves softening the monumental scale of
the building itself.



inside new rue de rivoli entrance


stretching between the pont neuf and rue de rivoli, the development consists of 26,000 square meters of store space spread
over three floors, social housing for 250 residents, a 60-child nursery, 20,000 square meters of private offices and a hotel with
80 mixed rooms and suites. an urban walk inside of the building allows for a smooth transition between each structure,
its glazed surfaces filtering natural light into the heart of the unit.



shopping space within restored building



site plan



compound of buildings that compose the current structure



elevation along rue de l'arbre sec



elevation along rue de la monnaie



diagram



physical model