Msc 1 Complex Projects studio La Défense

la dĂŠfense paris, france project book complex projects msc1 landmarks studio AR1CP010 spring 2019 tu delft

la dĂŠfense paris, france project book complex projects msc1 landmarks studio AR1CP010 spring 2019 tu delft

3

2

CP

4

Students: Alexander Galego, Arnaud De Sutter, Brydie Singleton, Carlin Lion, Elena Ghiacci, Felipe Suzuki Ursini, George Lau, Jeppe Lorentsen, Karolina Tatar, Kylee Cangas, Loes Bekkers, Max Michl, Michael Tsang, Verena Kretschmer & Zuzana Jurova Editor-in-Chief: M. Triggianese Editor: I. Omumbwa Publisher: Chair of Complex Projects, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environement, Delft University of Technology, 2019.

Studio Students under La Grande Arche de La DĂŠfense, Paris, FR. Picture by Manuela Triggianese

complex projects msc1 landmarks studio AR1CP010 spring 2019 tu delft CP

Les Grands Projets . Impressum

Les Grands Projets . Impressum

Studio Leaders: A. Arcangeli, A. Richters & S. Filippas Chair Coordinator: M. Triggianese Teaching Assitant: I. Omumbwa

la dĂŠfense paris, france project book

5

Chair Professor: Kees Kaan Chair of Complex Projects

of the ‘Grands Projects’ of then president Francois Mitterand. An architectural program to provide modern monuments in Paris, the city of monuments, symbolizing France’s role in art, politics, and economy at the end of the 20th century. After a competition this finally led to the building of ‘La Grande Arche’ to complete the ‘Axe Historique’.

NowadaysLa Défense is Europe’s largest purpose-built business districts with 560 hectares. Counting 180,000 daily workers, and 3,500,000 square metres of office space.

Ligne 15La Défence position La Défence plan‘Axe Historique’Grand Paris Express: Ligne 15.

La Défense is named after the statue La Défense de Paris by Louis-Ernest Barrias, which was erected in 1883 to commemorate the soldiers who had defended Paris during the Franco-Prussian War. This monument was located on a large roundabout that connected Paris’ historic Champs d’Elysee axis coming from the Louvre well beyond the Arc de Triomph to the west with roads coming from the outskirts of Paris.

It used to be the lication of city factories, shanties and some farms before The Public Establishment for Installation of La Défense (EPAD) commenced slowly developing the business district in 1958. It was the location of Paris’ first skyscrapers such as the Esso Tower and the Nobel Tower. In 1970 the first metro connection was made with RER ligne A.After a minor expansion wave in the early 70’s a boom in development took place in the 80’s. Together with a third generation of corporate towers, a huge Quatre Temps shopping mall was conceived. By that time, La Defence was chosen as one of the sights

The studio focusses on the topic of transit and mobility in the city of Paris. Using the ‘Grand Paris Express’ metro system, more specifically ‘Ligne 15’, as it’s main vehicle the objective is to unearth the influence and importance of mobility in its broadest sense to a city that is under constant pressures of population growth and the distribution of its functions. La Défence has been chosen as the main site of investigation. It’s position on the cross-roads ofthe historic axis arriving from the Louvre and the Grande Paris Express bind it ideally to Paris as a city that has grown in rings around a central core together with the multicentric idea of interconnecting diverse neighbourhoods surrounding that center.

Initially invisioned as a monofunctional business district, La Défence now faces the challenge of having to transform itself into a multifunctional hub. Not only a place of transit for commuters, but also a city centre that connects surrounding neighborhoods.

La Défense . Introduction

Well known to be one of the main capitals of Western Europe and the world, Paris has often been the epicenter of major events in European history that influenced societal, cultural and political shifts.By the end of the 12th century, Paris had become the political, economic, religious, and cultural capital of France. And by the early 14th century, as royal residence, it became the most populous city in Europe.

It’s strategic position on the very West of continental Europe made Paris the theatre of many battles, making it vulnerable for attacks from both the English on the west and later the Prusians from the east.

7

6

La Défense . Introduction

La Défense

La Défense . Content

La Défense . Content

8

9

la défense

13 180 analyses projects

la dĂŠfense

11

10

historical analysis

Visions of La Défense: Development History Definition: A continuous, typically chronological, record of important or public events or of a particular trend or institution.

The history of La Défense as a business district, although recent, is very dense. As a starting point, it is possible to establish ‘work’, understood as a social structure with a major organisational role in the modern routine, as the dominant dimension in La Défense.

Its life emanates from ‘work’, and its relevance relates to the very special position it holds in national and international economy.

Therefore, the interventions carried out in the district can be understood in relation to the evolving needs of ‘work’. Needs that are very specific for the most important CBD in Europe, strongly defined by its strategic role: ‘attractiveness’, the constant renovation of the capacity of capturing investments, is the everlasting goal of business district.

Elena Ghiacci Verena Kretschmer Michael Tsang Felipe Suzuki Ursini

La Défense . Historical Analysis

Exacerbated not only for its international proportions, but for the capacity of mobilizing tangible and untangible layers of the production of space. The physical structures are as important as the marketable identities in the pursuit for attracting investments, and this duality is an architectural theme.

13

12

La Défense . Historical Analysis

With ‘work’ as background and ‘attractiveness’ in the horizon, La Défense was shaped by architectural and urbanistic attempts of printing identities in the district, while corresponding to the developments of the corporate world. Both ‘work’ and ‘attractiveness’ are dynamic concepts that actually represent very broad and complex systems. The first corresponds to a key dimension of human existence, central in the way society structures and uses cities and time. Architecture and urbanism relate to work through programmes, flows, infrastructure, and even aesthetics and symbolism - all of those can be traced back to getting to work, taking a break from work, lunch hours, work days, work journey, happy hour, etc. The second represents the endless capitalist need for renovation in a globaly exacerbated fashion.

14

La Défense . Historical Analysis

In relation to the conceptual guidelines of ‘work’ and ‘attractiveness’, the chosen projects are typologially identified by three cathegories: landmark, infrastructure and (re)programme.

From these different and (non-exclusive) architectural natures, the selection marks changes in ideology, strategy and identity, demonstrating the dynamism of the ‘work’ and ‘attraction’ structures. Even if the historical continuity and the links between periods are relegated to a second plan, the format serves our interest in problematizing the present and informing the future of the district.

The selection of nine projects took into account urban relevance; the capacity of illustrating political and economic backgrounds that establish marked periods; and the interest in diverse architectural responses to the dynamism of ‘work’ and ‘attraction’ structures through the clear identification with the key-cathegories (landmark, infrastructure and (re)programme).

Out of multiple options, they mainly represent interesting strong ideas, built, unbuilt or, as more frequently, partially built.

1929

Rosenthal competition

1931

Voie Triomphale competition

1937

International Exhibition in Paris (Palais de Chaillot and Palais de Tokyo are built for the event)

1939

WWII

1945

French 4th Republic

1946

beginning of the First Indochina War, between France and Vietnam

1948

Marshall Plan (European Recovery Program) is approved by the US congress

1950

Robert Camelot, Jean de Mailly and Robert Zehrfuss, all three winners of the Grand Prix de Rome, are comissioned to start conceiving La Défense as an urban plan

1952

Le Corbusier, Unitè d’habitation de Marseille

1954

Algerian rebellion motivates France’s largest overseas military expedition in history

1956

Town planning draft proposal for La Défense

1958

creation of the Epad (Établissement public pour l’aménagement de La Défense), the public firm responsible for the now distric of La Défense

construction of the CNIT building, the first big enterprise in La Défense Algerian crisis leads to the fall of the 4th Republic and General De Gaulle’s comeback to power, implementing he 5th Republic Mies van der Rohe, Seagram building, in New York 1959

Lucio Costa, Brasilia, Brazil

1961

Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great America Cities Algerian independence

1963

Completion of the Esso tower, by Jacques and Pierre Gréber and Lathrop Douglass, the first office building in La Défense Epad divides La Défense in Zones A and B

1964

Minister of Cultural Affairs André Malraux comissions Le Corbusier to design a cultural complex in Zone B, featuring three art schools and the museum of the 20th century La Dalle (design)

1966

Aldo Rossi, La Architettura della Città

La Défense . Historical Analysis

To look at the history of La Défense as the fluent succession of overlapping plans and designs is an appealing prospect, given that the district was subject to many masterplans and infrastructure projects and the site of multiple fascinating buildings, each containing various interesting discussions to be explored. However, the attempt to establish a clear storyline linking the numerous events would require the exaustive research and analysis of all of them and, as a consequence of the inherent complexity, would result in simplistic connections for the sake of a linear coherence. Instead, we opted for focusing on the identification of periods/visions that can be represented by a selection of projects with highlighted relevance to the development of La Défense.

Timeline Overview

15

Timeline Overview

May 1968, protests, strikes and occupations Epad commisions André Remondet for a masterplan for Zone B1

1969

Georges Pompidou is president of France Jean Millier assumes as head of Epad, leading to the death of the original plan. He comissions the north-american architect Victor Gruen to design the area surrounding the Cnit (which would later be called Tête Défense) Creation of the Atelier Zone B, headed by Jacques Kalisz and Adrien Fainsilber, as the office in charge of revising the masterplan for Zone B

16

La Défense . Historical Analysis

1970

1972

RER line A, 5 minutes connection between La Défense and Place de l’Etoile

Plan d’Aménagement de Zone (PAZ) - removal of height limit in La Défense

1973

Epad comissions Ricardo Bofill and Taller de Arquitectura for a series of designs for the urban centre in Zone B

1983

1976

1977

1978

R. Banham, Megastructure: Urban Future of a Recent Past Renzo Piano and Richard Roger, Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris

Tour Aurore, by Dammery, Vetter and Weil is the first building in La Défense to challenge the architectural principles stated by the master plan

Emile Aillaud, Tours Nuages (Tours Aillaud) 1979

1988

citibank is the first foreign bank to set up in La Défense Jean Michel Jarre, Place de la Concorde concert

M. Wingley, P. Johnson curate the exhibition Deconstructivist Architecture, at the MoMA, in New York

1989

Otto van Spreckelsen, Grande Arche de La Défense

1990

I.M. Pei, Louvre Pyramid

Rem Koolhaas, Delirious New York R. Venturi, D. Scott Brown and S. Izenour, Learning from Las Vegas

La Défense is labelled as an Operation of National Interest Joseph Belmont appointed as new head of the Epad.

Launches new competiton for Tête Défense, that would originate the Grande Arche design

Jacques Kalisz, Nanterre School of Architecture Valéry Giscard d’Estaign is president of France

1993

Epad launches a competition for the continuation of the GrandeAxe behind the Grande Arche (zone B), won by Universeine (Paul Chemetov and Boja Huidobro) 1991

S. Sassen, The global city

1992

Metro line 1 reaches La Défense Kisho Kurokawa, Tour Pacific

Coeur Transport project demolition of the Esso Tour

1995

Aillaud’s arcades are partially build on the esplanade

Eugène Beaudouin, Tour Montparnasse, Paris 1974

François Miterrand is president of France Quatre Temps shopping mall inauguration

Oil crisis

Nicolas Schoffer proposes the Tour LumièreCybernatique

First Tête Défense competition

1981

Jacques Chirac is president of Framce Rem Koolhaas and Bruce Mau, S, M, L, XL

1998

FIFA World Cup in France

2000

creation of the Epasa (‘Établissement public d’aménagement de la Défense Seine Arche)

2001

Epasa organises a new competition for continuation of Grande Axe (zone B), won by TreuttelGracias-Treuttel, Jean-Paul Viguier, Coeur Défense

2002

Euro currency

2005

Banlieue riots in Paris

2006

Renewal Plan

2007

Tour Signal competition Nicolas Sarkozy is president of France

2008

global financial crisis

2011

annoucement of the Grand Paris Express

2012

François Hollande is president of France strategic masterplan by AWP

2017

Christian de Portzamparc, Paris La Défense Arena

La Défense . Historical Analysis

1968

Timeline Overview

17

Timeline Overview

1956 1958

Rosenthal Competition

First Masterplan

La Dalle

Monuments for Decentralisation

Post-War Optimism of Paris

Grand Axe Decentralisation Dodernism

Tech. Innovation Decentralisation Zoning Rebranding

2006 2007

1981

1989

1993

First Design for Tête Défense

Les Quatres Temps

Tête Défense Competition La Grande Arche

Coeur Transport Project

Renewal Plan Tour Signal Competition

AWP Masterplan

The Modernist Feck: a Unyfing Element

Marketable Image: the shift towads Capitalism

Shifting to a broader use of the District

An Icon to round off Development

Organising the transport node

Rebranding La Défense

Rebranding La Défense

Modernism Underground

Grand Axe Global Competitor Modernism

Retail

Grand Axe Global Competitor

Underground

Tech. Innovation Refurbishment Underground MIxed-Use Rebranding

Grand Axe Tech. Innovation Refurbishment Underground Mixed-Use Neighbourhood

1960

1972

2012

La Défense . Historical Analysis

1929 1931

Nine Visions for La Défense

19

18

La Défense . Historical Analysis

Nine Visions for La Défense

Typological Tools: Landmark

Grand Axe: L’Axe Historique Illustration

modernism/decentralisation/underground Itself a historiography exercise, the concept of ‘landmark’ is dynamic, which makes it hard to define in a way that includes all that we know to be landmarks. To conceive a landmark, or to signify something as a landmark, is to charge a landscape object with a claim for historical relevance.

8

7

6

5 4 3 2

La Défense . Historical Analysis

1. Musée du Louvre 2. Jardin des Tuileries 3. Place de la Concorde 4. Avenue des Champs-Elysées 5. Arc du Triomphe 6. Avenue de la Grande Armée 7. Avenue Charles de Gaulle 8. Grande Arche de La Défense

21

20

La Défense . Historical Analysis

1

Typological Tools: Infrastructure

Modernist Urban Planning

grand axe/rebranding/global competitor

Infrastructure is a defining theme for La Défense. It defines flows, functions, potentials and, more than it is usual, the landscape. A transportation hub or node is a definition of La Défense just as fair as that of a CBD. The slab is the main infrastructural asset of the district: a bulding below the ground level where the multiple transportation modes and lines can function independently and in connection.

Athens Charter, 4th CIAM, 1933 Faced by the needs of high speed vehicles, present the apparently irrational street pattern lacks efficiency and flexibility, differentiation and order; Relics of a former pompous magnificence designed for special monumental effects often complicate traffic circulation; Heavily used traffic junctions should be designed for continuous passage of vehicles, using different levels; Pedestrian routes and automobile routes should follow separate paths;

Town planning is a science based on three dimensions, not on two. This introduces the element of height which offers the possibility of freeing spaces for modern traffic circulation and for recreational purposes.

Vertical City, L. Hilberseimer, 1924 Brasilia Masterplan, L. Costa, 1956 Brasilia National Congress, O. Niemeyer, 1960 (Eixpo Monumental/Monumental Axe)

La Défense . Historical Analysis

Although cities are constantly changing, their development proceeds without order or control and with no attempt to apply contemporary town planning principles, such as have been specified in professionally qualified circles;

23

22

La Défense . Historical Analysis

The demolition of slums surrounding historic monuments provides an opportunity to create new open spaces;

Transport Infrastructure

Typological Tools: (Re)Programme

Paris & La Défense

zoning/retail/mixed-use/tech. innovation/ refurbishment

Grande Arche and Esplanade stations in La Défense (including its current functioning lines)

Grand Paris Express 2030 scenario, with line 15 serving La Défense.

Expansion of the RER Eole (planned to reach La Défense in 2027)

Jean-Michel Jarre’s concert, in 1990, gathered 2.5 million people across the Grand Axe, from the stage in La Défense, all the way to the Arc du Triomphe.

La Défense . Historical Analysis

Paris Public Transport Map 14th longest metro network in the world with an average of 4.18 million passengers/day. (World Metro Database, 2010).

Extension of the Quatre Temps mall, with Le Dome, built in 1992. Besides a cinema, the original programme included a museum and an automobile exhibition space.

25

24

La Défense . Historical Analysis

La Défense functions mainly around work. But the structures around work are not static or isolated. Diverse programmes have complemented the working routine, that evolved and changed its needs over time. Also, efforts to diversify appropriations of the district in non-work centered ways have punctually appeared throughout La Défense’s history, but have only been suggested assertively after the 2006 Renewal Plan e.g. 2012 master plan.

Residential Buildings La Défense A few residencial buildings exist among the offices in the esplanade de La Défense. Mainly built in the 1970s, their architectural features, discreet or not, strongly contrast with that of the dominant steel and glass towers. They all clearly state their residencial use, which automatically results in a perception of misplacement.

La Défense . Historical Analysis

Manhattan Square, H. Bernard, 1970 Résidence Lorraine, R. Camelot & J-C. Finelli, 1969 Vision 80, J-P. Prouvé, A. Frischlander & C. Mamfredos, 1973 Damier d’Anjour, J. Binoux, M. Folliason, A. & H. Kandjian, 1976

27

26

La Défense . Historical Analysis

complex projects calendar

1929

Momuments for Decentralisation: Rosenthal Competition, Le Corbusier

1931

Momuments for Decentralisation: Voie Triomphale, Paul Bigot

Unbuilt

Unbuilt

This competition launched by Leon Rosenthal aimed to reorganise the area near Porte Maillot which would eventually become La Défense (Clout, 1988; Roberts, 2011) in order to exploit the LunaPark lands which he wished to aquire, and upon which he hoped to build a car centre whilst developing the western exit of Paris - the development was to serve as a “monumental door” for the city (Le Corbusier and Jeanneret, 1929-1934).

This competition sponsored by the City of Paris only two years after the Rosenthal Competition looked to redevelop the axis from the Etoile to the rond-point de la Défense (Clout, 1988), and was won by architect Paul Bigot with sculptors Henri Bouchard and Paul Landowski (Royo, 2009; Archiwebture, 2019).

The proposal by Le Corbusier therefore featured two high-rise office towers which, from the outskirts of the city, frame the view of the Arc de Triomphe (Roberts, 2011) as to achieve this desire of Rosenthal to create a monumental doorway (Le Corbusier and Jeanneret, 1929-1934). A similar approach of keeping the axis open can be seen in the eventual construction of the Grande Arche de La Défense.

La Défense . Historical Analysis

La Défense . Historical Analysis

28

29

Le Corbusier’s implementation of raised plazas (Roberts, 2011) also illustrates his modernist vision for the development, one which would persist throughout the development of La Défense as evidenced by the eventually constructed La Dalle.

Part of the winning scheme proposed a large sculpture, “the personification of Victory in the form of a winged female figure”, to be situated at the centre of the rond-point de la Défense, and was noted approvingly by the jury to create a new silhouette against the sky of Paris unlike that of the existing monumental arches or obelisks, characterising the epoch (Clout, 1988). Unlike the modernist vision of Le Corbusier, Bigot’s proposal took on a more literal and historic form - perhaps a more obvious form of monument - however soon war would come and overtake these grand designs leaving them to remain unbuilt (Clout, 1988).

73

1956

Post-War Optimism of Paris: First Masterplan

1958

Post-War Optimism of Paris: Founding of EPAD

R.E. Camelot, J. de Mailly, B.Zehrfuss

30

La Défense . Historical Analysis

The master plan was envisioning a large homogenous architectural landscape and was characterized by optimism and authoritarianism.

This planning operation aimed to create a significant business district outside of Paris. The idea was to preserve Paris’s historical skyline featuring low-rise buildings and iconic structures such as the Eiffel tower and Sacré-Cœur on the Montmartre hill. EPAD’s role is also to ensure that the whole operation is adequately financed, all with an eye to achieving rapid profitability. The first Director of EPAD was André Prothin.

Fig. 2 André Prothin (Director of EPAD from 1958-69) entrusted by De Gaulle to create a vast business centre.

He bacame the keyplayer in in state planning and the planning of La Défense.

Fig. 1: Aerial view of the Zone B of La Défense in 1974, looking east (Archives EPAD). The ‘Grand Axe’ successively crosses the social housing estates built in the mid 1950s, the Zone A with the CNIT and the first skyscrapers of the business district and, in the background, the centre of Paris with the Eiffel Tower to the right.

Fig. 2: EPAD, ‘Plan général des zones A & B & annexes’, 1 December 1963 (Archives EPAD).

CNIT, 1958 (an architectural icon with its famous vault spanning 220 meters)

La Défense . Historical Analysis

Fig. 1

Instead the three architects provided a first development plan in 1956: the plan established the limits of the area and annexed some of the territory belonging to three municiplaties Nanterre, Courbevoie, Puteaux. Moreover the plan divided La Défense in two zones: Zone A consists of 130 hectar and will become the business quarter, Zone B consists of 650 hectares and covers part of the town of Nanterre. Vigorously making a redical tabula rasa, the plans objectives were only partly achieved.

The State owned La Défense planning authority (EPAD) was founded in 1958 and is from now on responsible for the development of the La Défense. The Public Organisation was given a span of 30 years to fullfil their tasks, which include aquiring land, relocating individuals, implenting public infrastructure and amenities, ceding developed spaces and construction rights, animating and promoting the site and manage the new business district on the municipalities of Courbevoie and Puteaux (today enlarged over parts of Nanterre).

31

For over 50 years there have been thoughts of organising World Fair at La Defense - a temporary event which would achieve a permanent effect. The World Fair never happened but has lead to further thinking on development of a master plan. In 1950 three architecs Camelot, De Mailly, Zehrfuss got hired to provide a master plan for La Défense. The CNIT would have been the entrance to the World Fair.

R.E. Camelot, J. de Mailly, B.Zehrfuss

32

La Défense . Historical Analysis

La Dalle of La Defénse played a key role for the development of the the district. Far from being an original part of the plan, the pedestrian deck embodied the principles of the Charter of Athens (1933): managing traffic flows through an efficient division of them in the vertical section.

necessary to increase the number of walkways, the aesthetic effect of which, viewed from the Post de Neuilly […] could well form an eyesore. […] In this way, the total separation of pedestrian and automobile transport networks, long advocated by theorists but never yet applied, will be applied across the entire district.” (“Amendement de la région de La Défense”, Tecnhiques and Architecture, December 1965)

One of the first concept was proposed it 1952 by the architects Robert Camelot, Jean de Mailly and Bernard Zehrfuss.They designed “a terrace accessible to the public and available for outdoor events” which would extend to either side of the central road just covering the highway, creating a belvedere opening towards Paris.A review of the first design has been done in 1960 by the same group of architects, which involved a large amount of foot bridges allowing pedestrians to cross from one bank to the other and maintained the idea of a central esplanade.

Robert Auzelle, a french urbanist, claimed in 1963 the importance of the extension of the pedestrian deck along the entirety of the avenue in fact it would have accommodate infrastructure networks beneath its surface and provide easy access to them.

In addition it was a continuous surface for pedestrian flows eliminating the constant interruption of pavemented pathways common in the city of Paris.

The original group of architects implemented their first proposal and defined the final shape of la dalle: they included under the public square a bus terminal, parkings, the RER station (Réseau express régional), the national arterial highway and space for the future the metro.

Due to the constant growth of infrastructural elements in the ground beneath the area of La Défense, the deck seems to act as a covering more than an urban space. Despite its monumentality, it appears as a residual area, populated by sculptural and landscaping objects lacking of a proper function. La Défense, late homage to the Charter of Athens, facilitated the development of a urban hypertrophy: it didn’t only suffocated the CNIT and the Esso Tower but the towers built later on the deck imposed more and more themselves as autonomous volumes, underlining their introversion and the uncertainty of the external space.

Connecting those different infrastructures, the platform was linking the district in the regional and national scale “to turn this into a real neighbourhood and enable pedestrians to move safely and easily from Coubervoie to Puteaux […] it would be Model of Zone A, 1960 (showing the site’s contours, and access paths)

Development Plan of Zone A, 1963

La Défense . Historical Analysis

The Modernist Deck, a Unifying Element: La Dalle

33

1960

1972

A Marketable Image, the Shift towards Capitalism: First Design for Tête Défense Unbuilt

In 1972 the president of EPAD, Jean Miller, commissioned the architect Emile Aillaud to revitalise the image of La Défense through the design of a new head for the triumphal way. His proposal broke away from previous proposals by suggesting two 70 meters high curved buildings, which he called immeublemiroirs (mirror buildings). One would have black facades and the other silver. The composition also included several ancillary constructions as small office towers and an inverted dome, inspired by Niemeyer in Brasilia, hosting conference rooms.

In 1974 the project has been implemented with the design of a “French-style” garden in continuity with the national heritage as requested by the new president Valéry Giscard d’Estaing.

Seven marble arcades were underlining the abstract border in between the public character of the square and the private world of the mirror buildings. The construction of the project started with the square, which is the only trace left of Aillaud’s proposal nowadays, and the arches. In fact his barely finished arcades were destroyed at in 1988 during the construction of the Otto von Spreckelsen’s Grand Arche.

Proposal for “La Défense” square, Emile Aillaud, 1975.

La Défense . Historical Analysis

Preliminary Concept Sketch for Tête Défense, Emile Aillaud, 1972 (the two 70 m mirrored buildings are complemented by a cluster of three towers; between them, a dome enclosed a conference facility).

At the same time the design was symbolising a symbiosis between architecture, technology and art: many studies on climate issues and reflection of sunlight were conducted with the support of specialised institutes. The formal result was strictly related to the energy performance of the buildings.

Partially completed blind arcade, 1981.

35

34

La Défense . Historical Analysis

The project was acting as a scenography for the axis, a reflective surface with no depth; in this way Aillaud freed himself from all the issues linked to the relation with the system of the axis.Aillaud’s design was immediately approved by the prime minister George Pompidou, but it generated controversial reactions related to their height and materiality. The Academy of Architecture asked for a reduction of their dimensions up to 50 meters.

Since this modification was not enough, EPAD consulted other architects but out of the thirteen selected ones, Aillaud’s new proposal won again.

He followed his original principles maintaining the mirrored towers but he substituted the dome with a sculpture of giant head, La Tête by François-Xavier Lalanne, which would have hosted a 600-seat conference room.

financial crisis/neighbourhood The 1964 plan for La Defense failed to include any retail centre, and it was only in 1965, following requests from department stores including Printemps and Galerie Lafayette, that studies began to explore an eventual retail presence, with results of the preliminary study being presented in 1967. It was clear, however, that under the leadership of Prothin the subject of retail was not a priority.

36

La Défense . Historical Analysis

In January 1969 Prothin called for Paul Delouvrier, the prefect of the Paris Region, to initiate studies for the PB1 tower. In response Delouvrier highlighted the need to include the programme of a shopping centre. The change in leadership with Jean Millier becoming President and Director of EPAD in 1969, saw the launch of a study for a building complex linking a regional shopping centre to the PB1 tower. Victor Gruen, an American architect specialising in shopping centres, was the first to present a proposal in November that year. Millier, however, was disappointed by Gruen’s proposal and so in December asked I.M. Pei to propose a new massing plan for the eventual Tete Defense.

Proposal for Tête Defense, Victor Gruen, 1970

In November 1971 Pei and his associate Araldo Cossutta presented their massing plan which featured the shopping mall as the base plate for a double tower on the axis, as opposed to being free standing. The proposal, however, faced much opposition with the double tower being accused of changing the perspective from Paris. It was the counter proposal by Emile Aillaud, approved by the Ministry of Works in 1973, that reestablished the separation of the shopping centre from the tower, as a closed box facing the CNIT. n 1972 a group of investors were brought together to form the development company (SCI) “of the La Defense Shopping Centre” with EPAD and Credit Lyonnais, a bank nationalised in 1945 as co-directors.

The preliminary studies for the shopping centre began in 1973 and were carried out by a group of french architects and included a trip to the United States to visit shopping centres such as the Houston Galleria.

The proposal would be the largest shopping centre in Europe at the time and straddled the suburban train line with car parks under the shopping centre.

In 1975 Atea were formally appointed by EPAD to design the shopping centre.

Construction began in 1976 but problems built up during these years of the crisis.

Finally in 1981 Les Quatre Temps was opened by Prime Minister Raymond Barre, though it continued to receive upgrades in the 1990s and 2000s. (Chabard, 2013)

Partially completed blind arcade, 1981

La Défense . Historical Analysis

A Shifting Broader Use of the District: Les Quatres Temps

37

1981

1989

An icon to roud off development: Tête Défense Competition & La Grande Arche grande arche/global competitor

In 1982 an international competition for the Tête Défense was launched by EPAD on the initiative by the just recently elected president François Mitterrand. La Défense was very important for the development of Paris as a city. The creation of a monument which would be an icon for La Défense would round off the development and give the area a certain character.

Moreover, the competition posed a fundamental question about the historical axis: to close the perspective at La Défense or to let it go further? The Competition brief asked for an International Centre of Communication which would serve the purpose of an international information exchange. Mitterrand wanted to bring a cultural dimension to the business quarter. Furthermore there are references to the role of a Gateway which La Défense is playing with respect to Paris.

The jury was constituted by representatives of modernist trends in international architecture, such as Richard Meier, Richard Rogers or Bernard Zerfuss. Out of 424 entries the jury chose

four projects to present to Francois Mitterrand who made the final decision for the abstract and simple design of the Danish Architect Johan Otto van Spreckelsen. The Grande Arche was inaugurated on 14th July 1989 in the course of the G7 summit.

Behind the concept of the design of Spreckelsen stands the idea of extending the historical axis which is starting at the louvre pyramid. As the Grande Arche is not perfectly aligned with the axis, it leans away of about 6 and a half degrees, it is opening another axis to the Eiffel tower and the Tour Montparnasse. The choice of design is continuing the line of triumphal arches and serves as a new gate to Paris – a symbol of openness to the world. It is a twentieth century version of the Arche de Triomphe, a monument to humanity and humanitarian ideals, as it should place the viewer in its biological smallness to put our power in perspective. On the other hand, it is a symbol which stands for power and technological advances.

The history of the city and the context give the building the monumental meaning, as each of the landmarks along the axis is a landmark of an era. The Grande Arche was no revolution in the history of architecture but its form and the way it was placed are some of the criteria that make this building important in its self not even as architecture but as pure form. The shape of the building echoes both, the axis and the previous arches, it is a spatial answer to the square and the buildings surrounding it.

Competition entry for the Grande Arche proposal, Otto van Spreckelsen, 1983.

La Défense . Historical Analysis

Tête Défense Competition, Other competition entries

39

38

La Défense . Historical Analysis

The form of the monument superseded the content, the functioning is difficult and holds defects, as the project got chosen for its volume, the program got only specified later. The conscious search for a landmark project and lack of program put the functional use of the building in the background.

1993

Organising the Transport Node: Coeur Transport

Coeur Transport

underground/financial crisis By 1992, with the inauguration of the metro stations Esplanade and Grande Arche, La Défense was served by the following transportation modes: RER A Transilien 15 bus lines Metro line 1 A14 motorway

central and suburban rail lines suburban rail lines in the Ile-de-France region largest bus terminal in the Ile-de-France region automobile link with the périphérique

Underground node at Grande Arche Station Visual communication for flow direction Unified Security Centre

La Défense . Historical Analysis

In 1997, the tram line T2 reached La Défense, connecting it to the southwest Paris, and plans for linking the hub to the RER E line, serving the eastern metropolitan region, were already ongoing (the plan is now part of the Grand Paris Express, with the extension of line 15). Therefore, the Coeur Transport initiative represented a major effort in optimizing and increasing public transport connection to La Défense. The 1990s were a decade of economic difficulties, when development rights sales stagnated for five consecutive years. The investment in renewing the capacity and coherence of the transports system came along with major technological shifts in the corporate world, now demanding a new type of infrastructure revolving around the internet.

41

40

La Défense . Historical Analysis

Therefore, La Défense already constituted one of the most complex transportation nodes in France, and the regional and local administrative entities still had plans to complement the modal offer in the area. The Coeur Transport project, starting in 1993, had the mission of organising the complexity of transport lines, implemented in different decades and administrated by different public companies, in a coherent plan, capable of increasing the passanger reception capacity and facilitate the change between modes. The project signified an overall revision of the Grande Arche station, the core of La Défense’s underground. The flows were reorganised in accordance to new visual communication and technological solutions, such as a centralized security centre and minitel information points, along with new commerce and public services.

Rebranding La Défense: Tour Signal Competition mixed-use/tech. innovation/financial crisis/refurbishment

In 2006, Nicolas Sarkozy, then Minister of Territorial Planning, launched an urban operation to renovate La Défense’s competitive atributes as the most important business centre in Europe. The so called Renewal Plan included:

In order to reboost real estate and construction activity in the district, La Défense needed to rebrand according to 21st century trends. The Tour Signal international competition was the main effort in this direction, proposing a landmark tower representative of sustainability and mixed uses - a symbol of a business district prepared for the changes in the global competition.

• • •

Renovation of existing buildings (including sustainability standarts and increase in office area) Construction of new (sustainable) mixed-use and office buildings Extension of the RER line E Administrative/governance restructuring (towards more representativity to the local authorities) Construction of new housing units

Tour AXA Redevelopment Illustration of a development model enforced by the Renewal Plan, the Tour Axa (1974) was renovated between 2007-11. Renamed as Tour First, the building gained 65m in height and the Hauté Qualite Environmentale (HQE) certificate.

Organized by the Epad in 2007, the closed competition invited teams of architects + developers + investors to draft proposals for the Tour Signal. The brief didn’t specify a site, that could be chosen by the designers among a number of options of vacant spaces and sites subject to demolition. The proposal should consider the urban context and express the connectivity and mixed use strategies implemented by the Renewal Plan.

The finalists firms were Jacques Ferrier Architectures, Foster + Partners Ltd., Studio Libeskind Architect, Wilmotte & Associes SA and Ateliers Jean Nouvel, the winner. The project was abandoned during the crisis.

Ateliers Jean Nouvel proposal “The Signal tower is indeed the loggia tower. (...)These loggia open and close, they create a thermal balance through the managing of solar inputs.”

OMA proposal “The partitioning and the autarky of the tower program are challenged by the connection with the public areas of the various programs”.

La Défense . Historical Analysis

•

La Défense . Historical Analysis

2007

competition/financial crisis/neighbourhood

•

42

Rebranding La Défense: Renewal Plan

43

2006

2012

Rebranding La Défense: AWP’s strategic Masterplan grand axe/underground/mixed-use/refurbishment

In 2012, Defacto* selected AWP - Office for Territorial Reconfiguration*, in association with HHF Architects, as the winners in the competition for the strategic masterplan for La Défense. The brief identified new challenges for the future of the district that would justify the need for a new plan. Themes such as sustainable development, social diversity, territorial identity within the metropolis and increased density were highlighted as subjects for re-thinking La Défense.

Althought officially named as a masterplan, AWP regards their aproach as something different: “The word masterplan is not that appealing because it suggests something rigid. Right now in urbanism we need something different, more like a tool or framework, something that can evolve and adapt to changes over time. Our goal is to create a tool that can evolve and encompass new changes and projects so that it’s not obsolete in a few years”.

Alessandra Cianchetta (AWP)

analyses initial phase, of 100 000 m² of underused space between buildings on the surface level or in the undergorund levels.

Those areas would have the potential to become destinations, and not only residual or passing by routes, to be appropriated by population segments interested in diverse programmes. Also, besides roof and floor, the slab behaves as a vertical barrier, with its multiple levels creating geographical discontinuity with the surrounding neighbourhoods.

To improve “navigation in/under/around the slab is central to the masterplan”, that seeks connectiveness as means of adding intensity to the area.

For that matter, the “nighttime identity” is regarded as a key concern for the future of La Défense. The plan sees the promotion of nightlife as an important strategy to achieve its goals of increasing opportunities, diversity and attractiveness.

Therefore, the overall approach proposed by AWP is to identify pontentialities in the existing structures of La Défense and explore them through punctual interventions that respond to defined goals and visions for the future of the district.

The guidelines, or strategies, that define this “framework” would be, in order of importance:

The emphasis on the slab (La Dalle, the pedestrian deck, the esplanade) is justified by the discovery, during diagnostic and Strategic Masterplan (Analysis), AWP “Redefining the ground (through interventions on the slab)”

La Défense . Historical Analysis

First created in 2007 as EPDG (Établissement Public de Gestion du quartier d’affaires de La Défense), Defacto is the agency responsible for the management of La Défense’s public spaces, including maintenance and promotion of events. Its board is composed of representatives of the local authorities (Hauts-de-Seine, Courbevoie and Puteaux)

45

44

La Défense . Historical Analysis

Redefining the ground (through interventions on the slab); Reestablishing the grand axis, Inhabiting in-between spaces; Allowing for a natural invasion; Incorporating shared spaces.

2012

Rebranding La Défense: AWP’s strategic Masterplan grand axe/underground/mixed-use/refurbishment/tech. innovation

Run by partners Marc Armengaud and Matthias Armengaud, the Paris based firm Atelier Wunderschön Peplum (AWP) defines itself as “a platform built to gather interdisciplinary and international skills for design, territorial strategies and prospective”.

“The issue is that this idea of specialization and extreme separation of activities doesn’t work and is no longer desirable.

The real estate is becoming less economically attractive and there is a serious risk of high vacancy. The management want to compete on a larger scale. It’s about making it more inviting and overcoming the monothematic uses of the area”.

Alessandra Cianchetta (AWP)

Promenade de l’Arche, AWP Landscape design currently under construction in the area extending the Grande Axe West of the Grande Arche.

La Défense . Historical Analysis

Underground Parking, AWP & HHF Renders for new underground parking spaces (featuring proposed openings in the slab) and night life at the esplanade.

47

46

La Défense . Historical Analysis

complex projects conclusion

Summary Use of Tools Landmark

Infrastructure

(Re)Programme

Rosenthal Competition

Voie Triomphale Competition

First Masterplan

Founding of EPAD

La Dalle

First Design for Tête Défense

Les Quatre Temps

Renewal Plan

Tour Signal Competition

AWP Masterplan

View from the Arche de Triomphe (The shape of the Grande Arche can be seen, drawing the shilouette of the skyscrapers together)

La Défense . Historical Analysis

Coeur Transport

49

48

La Défense . Historical Analysis

La Grande Arche

Typological Tools Conclusion Landmark The many landmarks of La Défense, both built and unbuilt, can be seen as representative of a number of shifts within the development of the district: The CNIT can be seen as representative of a shift towards landmarks with a public use.

The first Tete Defense Competition can be seen as a shift towards capitalist ideology in the sense of creating a marketable image.

The Grande Arche, originally intended to serve a public purpose, as an international communication centre, can be seen as an attempt by Mitterand to implement a cultural dimension to the business district of La Defense.

A shift towards an international audience can be seen, through the ambition of the First Tete Defense Competition and the eventual realisation of the Grande Arche.

Built and Unbuilt Landmarks in La Défense Distribution along the spine Facades Plans

La Défense . Historical Analysis

These landmarks mirror the many shifts in the politics and leading interests of France through history, with the Grand Axe as their stage. The axis acts as a spine for these landmarks and so it is evident that they derive meaning from the axis. The proximity of these projects to the axis is telling of their desire to lay claim to its distinguished identity as an important route in Paris. It is this aspect of importance that these projects seek to absorb into their own identities through association with the axis. One could argue, however, that the appropriation of the axis by so many landmarks, within the confines of La Défense, has rendered it somewhat irrelevant. Whilst in the past the axis may have imbued landmarks with a quality of importance, now it has simply been reduced to a basic requirement for any new construction to qualify as a landmark.

The aim of the AWP Strategic Masterplan to reestablish the Grand Axe can therefore be seen as an endeavour to imbue the axis with the relevance that it once held, so that La Defense as a district may too remain relevant in the future.

51

50

La Défense . Historical Analysis

The Tour Signal Competition can be seen as a shift from monofunctional business towers towards sustainability and mixed-use for the sake of rebranding in order to attract investors.

Typological Tools Conclusion Infrastructure The ambition behind the infrastructure of La Defense can be attributed to a desire for greater connection - the desire to extend the axis and create a western exit for Paris in the form of a highway, as seen in the proposals for the 1929 Rosenthal Competition; the construction of La Dalle as a device to separate traffic and pedestrian ways; and the Coeur Transport Project, introducing new metro line connections to La Defense, are all evidence of this.

It is therefore ironic that the resulting district actually contains many elements of disconnection. For example a hard border is formed around the perimeter of the business district due to the change in level with the constructed highways, making pedestrian access difficult except for through a limited number of access points. The overwhelming scale of the construction of infrastructure also creates a disconnection in terms of scale as it is far beyond that of the human scale - instead it is intended for masses of people, cars and trains.

Elements of Disconnection Hard border aound La Dalle (lacking pedestrian access) Rigid separation of traffic flows Varying scales of built infrastructure

La Défense . Historical Analysis

This resulting disconnection that we are left with is what the AWP’s Strategic Masterplan seeks to address, with the aim of transforming the slab from a barrier into a connective element.

In its strategies it aims to strengthen and facilitate access to and interconnectivity with the surrounding neighbourhoods, highlighting these points as being key to making La Defense a future-proof district.

53

52

La Défense . Historical Analysis

The resulting district of La Defense, subsequently, appears as a disorientating isolated island, separated from the surrounding neighbourhoods. Arguably this comes as a result of modernist ideals and ‘top-down’ planning for maximum efficiency - these principles themselves being disconnected from their actual execution. Infrastructure is no doubt an important tool in providing connectivity, yet the focus often seems to prioritise the larger scale, resulting in disconnectivity on the smaller scale. As such it can seem as if there is a greater connection to central Paris compared to the adjacent neighbourhood.

Typological Tools Conclusion (Re)Programme The use of programme, or rather the selling of programme, can be characterised by a shift from ‘neutral function’ to ‘attractive programme’.

From the earliest projects, following the Second World War, up to the first design for Tête Defense in the 1970s, the use of programme can be described as neutral in the sense that it sought only to facilitate business - it was centred around work. The first masterplan of 1958 which established Zone A as the business district, the implementation of La Dalle as the infrastructure to bring people into this business district, and the first design for Tête Defense which sought to create an icon for La Defense as a global competitor, all represent this neutral approach to programme, only concerned with the function of business.

Still, it can be seen that the district is largely empty during the weekdays, only active during lunchtime, and so it is evident that it will take time for this image of a monofunctional business district to change.

La Défense . Historical Analysis

The focus on mixed-use in the projects of the 2006 Renewal Plan, the 2007 Tour Signal Competition, and most notably in the recent 2012 AWP Masterplan, in which AWP highlight one key aim as the creation of a certain ‘climate’ can be seen as truly adapting this strategy of ‘attractive programme’. The main difference with the approach of the AWP Strategic Masterplan, though, can be seen as it providing an overall framework as opposed to the singular, discrete interventions of the previous projects.

55

54

La Défense . Historical Analysis

A shift in the 1980s with the completion of Les Quatres Temps can be identified in which attractive programme is adapted as a new strategy. Business is no longer the only concern of La Defense, instead other programmes, such as retail in the case of Les Quatres Temps, are implemented to attract a more diverse audience, not only through their pure function but also through a certain associated atmosphere. In the case of Les Quatre Temps, however, this could be seen as a ‘halfway measure’ in the sense that this function was implemented as one that would be complementary to the ‘culture of work’ intrinsic to the business district.

Throughout the development of La Défense, major interventions and additions mostly revolved around the district’s main function: business - work - corporate.

inf

ras

tru

ra rog

re

p

work

The gradual introduction of new programmes, such as the Les Quatre Temps shopping mall, would still be directed to the specific public of weekdays workers, thus representing a complementary function.

landmark

The public transport continuous enhancement increased the capacity of bringing people to work and back home and shaped the landscape of La Dalle.

La Défense . Historical Analysis

Also, the proposed landmarks, the Grande Arche and the Tour Signal, had the area’s relevance as a CDB and need to renew this relevance as a main premiss.

56

es

mm

ctu

The AWP’s new ‘framework’ for La Défense proposes the addition of different layers to the development strategy of the district.

The global attractiveness, wich undeniably is the core of the dynamism in La Défense, is stilk kept as a major guideline, but one that admits other perspectives over the distric: La Défense as public space and leasure; at night and weekends; for diverse publics looking for diverse destinations, possibly unrelated to work.

Therefore, the interesting question to be addressed by the masterplan and the future architectural interventions, is

Promotion of varying circles of appropriation

how can landscape architecture be a drive for the proposed addition of layers of appropriation in La Défense?

work

leasure

night life

culture

?

AWP’s master plan, 2012 “Towards a new ambience”

La Défense . Historical Analysis

Analysis of AWP Proposal

Promotion of appropriations linked to work

57

Research Conclusion

AWP’s Strategy

La Défense . Historical Analysis

Nature Invasion

59

Re-Inhabit the Domain

La Défense . Historical Analysis

Re-Grand Axe

58

Re-Define the Ground

AWP’s Strategy

Appropriation of the Axis

Summarising the developement of the projects in La Défense, it is recognizable that the in-between spaces, the common ground has never been designed.

Each design was contributing to strengthen the identity of the district of La Défense, nonetheless the identity of the Grand Axe itself has been pushed aside. Even though the relevance of the district has originally been linked to its postition along the axis.

We see the lack of quality in the public space as the main driver to strengthen this lost identity.

In the late years the Esplanade has been invaded by interventions of different scales. In the large scale it has been divided in three zones. Each of these areas has been populated by smaller events with different scopes and purposes such as artworks, fountains, green islands, openings into the ground and small buildings.

La Défense . Historical Analysis

La Défense . Historical Analysis

60

61

All of these elements are contributing to create an incoherence in the axis: from the visual point of view, in terms of loss of symmetry, to the functional one, in terms of an interruption of pedestrian flow around La Dalle.

Appropriation of the Axis

La DĂŠfense . Historical Analysis

Invasion of the Axis

63

Axis as a Spine fot Urban Development

La DĂŠfense . Historical Analysis

Buildings Framing the Axis

62

Extension of the Axis

La DĂŠfense . Historical Analysis

La DĂŠfense . Historical Analysis

64

65

la dĂŠfense

67

66

demographical analysis

Introduction

Demography Definition: The study of statistics or the incidence of events which illustrate the composition and changing structure of human populations.

Exiting the familiar environment of the train station, you find yourself within the esplanade in La Défense. Losing yourself in the large expanse of concrete slabs surrounded by the all too familiar glazed towers associated with modern high rises. The human scale seeming miniscule on this gigantic street, creating a disconnection between yourself and the space. Having most of its people hidden away inside of the offices most of the day creates the impression of a place that has not been inhabited before, raising questions about the qualities of La Défense and its characteristics as a transit space. The lack of permanent inhabitants and users, their involvement in the space and a lack of human identity seriously harming its liveability. Currently only feeling alive during the short spans of workers coming and going or takeovers from the neighbouring communities on the weekends. How can this obsolete system of a CBD be adapted to meet newer needs and change before it is lost within the flow of time and become a shell of its former self.

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

Arnaud De Sutter Siu Fung Geroge Lau Jeppe Lorentsen Max Michl

69

68

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

Therefore, it is relevant to see La Défense within the Parisian context and the influence of the soon to come Line 15. Migration trends and analysis of the people flow will help us grasp how this affects the area and its dynamics. By inspecting the political and financial direction of La Défense and Paris, clues behind the forces shaping its future changes should become apparent.

Lastly, to see if La Défense will evolve to be more multifunctional and its implications to its function as a CBD, there will be a study of its programmatics systems and their transformation.

La Defense 25,000 Population

38M Office space

La Défense as a Transit Place: Why?

Canary Wharf +8%

+138%

23,000 Population

16M Office space

Transit Place

2,600 Hotel rooms

11 ha Greenery

40 Restaurants

70

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

60 Art installations

0 Museum/ gallery

4 Day care centre

Central Bsiness Districts La Défense, Paris, FR Canary Wharf, London, UK

+77%

-13%

-31%

-39%

+0%

Zero

-42%

130,000 m2 Shopping mall

3000 Hotel rooms

16 ha Greenery

66 Restaurants

60 Art installations

2 Museum/ gallery

7 Day care centre

Comparison between Central Bsiness Districts La Défense, Paris, FR Canary Wharf, London, UK

When assessing La Defense, it should not be forgotten that it is a Central Business District(CBD) of unique physical presence. CBD refers to the heart of an urban area, usually located at the meeting point of the city's transport systems, containing a high percentage of shops and offices.

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

La Defense and Canary Wharf are both CBD from Paris and London respectively. Although Canary Wharf is significantly smaller than La Defense, it has similar population with more facilities that contribute its departure from being a transit space.

La Defense in particular has less green space, restaurants, museums, hotels and day care centres than Canary Wharf, causing itself as a monofunctional place of business activities.

230,000 m2 Shopping malls

La Defense and Canary Wharf are both CBD from Paris and London respectively. Although Canary Wharf is significantly smaller than La Defense, it has similar population with more facilities that contribute its departure from being a transit space. La Defense in particular has less green space, restaurants, museums, hotels and day care centres than Canary Wharf, leading itself as a place of monolithic function: business activities.

71

When assessing La Defense, it should not be forgotten it as a Central Business District(CBD) of unique physical presence.

CBD refers to the heart of an urban area, usually located at the meeting point of the city’s transport systems, containing a high percentage of shops and offices.

Commute time to/ from La Defense without Line 15 0 - 15 min 16 - 30 min

Living outside La Défense

31 - 45time min to/ Commute Commute time to/ from from La La Defense Defense without without Line Line 15 15 46 - 60 min

La Defense

60 min 00>-- 15 15 min min

Social Segregation

16 16 -- 30 30 min min

Commute 31 31 -- 45 45 min minto the three communes 46 46 -- 60 60 min min

The first study is intended to find out where do people working at La Defense come from. Mappings of commute and migration were made in specific to see the current flow of commuters and the trend of them migrating from La Defense.

>><60 60 min min 1,000

1,000- 1,500

Commute Commute to to the the 1,500- 2,000 three communes communes three 2,000- 2,500

1,000 << 1,000

1,000- 1,500 1,500 1,000-

Line 2,000 15 1,5002,000 1,500-

Most commute to La Defense are from Issy-les-Moulineaux, where it is located at the edge of the 30 mins commute zone.

On the other hand, the most popular migration spot from La Defense is Rueil-Malmaison.

The next page shall analyse the common characteristics of these two places.

2,000- 2,500 2,500 2,000Line Line 15 15

RueilMalmaison

Issy-les-Moulineaux

La Defense mode of transport km

Public transport

km km

Population change (%)

Walk

-2.1 to -0.3 Population change (%)

La Defense

Car

-0.3to to-0.3 1.1 -2.1

2-wheel

Tremblayen-France

Others

RueilMalmaison Issy-les-Moulineaux

Antony

VilleneuveSaintGeorges

Walkability km

La Defense station

km

500m from station 1000m from station

Commute to La Defense (cuvrrent transport network) Migration trend from La Defense

three communes 150- 200

150- 200

200- 300

200- 300

300-500 500 300Line15 15 Line

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

Mode of Transport

Sevran Gennevilliers Saint- La Courneuve Denis Colombes Drancy LivryGargan Asnièressur-Seine Saint- Aubervilliers Bobigny Clichy Ouen Bondy Pantin Nanterre Courbevoie LevalloisNoisyPerret le-Sec Puteaux Gagny RosnyBagnolet Suresnes sous-Bois RueilMontreuil Malmaison NeuillyNeuillysur-Seine sur-Marne Fontenaysous-Bois Vincennes Noisyle-Grand BoulogneNogentBillancourt sur-Marne Issy-lesMoulineaux IvryMontrouge Champigny-sursurMalakoff Marne Seine MaisonsMeudon Alfort Châtillon SaintBagneux Maur-desFossés Clamart Villejuif Vitrysur-Seine Créteil L'Haÿles-Ro se s ChâtenayChoisyMalabry le-Roi

Migration from the Migration from the three communes

73

Villepinte Aulnaysous-Bois

Stains

Le BlancMesnil

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

1.1 3.0to to3.0 5.0 3.0 to 5.0

Epinaysur-Seine

72

1.1 to 1.1 3.0 -0.3

Share of immigrant (%)

Issy-les-Moulineaux and Rueil-Malmaison share several common characteristics which shall provide clues on the preferred living environment from employees of La Defense.

0 to 3

La Defense

3 to 7 0 to 3 7 to 14 7 14 3ortoabove

7 to 14 Line 1415 or above

Both places belong to the western side of Paris which has relatively high Human Development Index (HDI). Ironically , this echoes with the share of immigrants and cost of living which higher HDI usually couples with fewer immigrants and higher cost of living.

Line 15

RueilMalmaison

The presumption that choice of migration follows with the extent of transport network does not hold as the northern side of Paris is less preferred even though they have similar commute time.

Further study into the issue revealed the failure of integration with immigrants in France. Social segregation creates tension and data showed during 2005 French Riot, young male Maghrebians contribute to the majority of the protesters.

La Defense is situated between areas of low and high proportion of immigrant population, whether it should be a place of mediation of not shall be further discussed.

Human Development Index

km

Issy-lesMoulineaux

km

0 -0.19

La Defense

Share of immigrant (%)

Human 0.2 -0.39 Development Index 0.4 -0.59

La Defense

Cost of living (€) Cost of living (€) < 15,000 < 15,000 15,000 - 20,000

0.6 -0.79 0 -0.19

20,000 - 25,000 15,000 - 20,000

0.8 -1 0.2 -0.39

25,000 - 30,000 20,000 - 25,000

0.4 -0.59

> 30,000 25,000 - 30,000

0.6 -0.79

> 30,000 Line 15

Line 15

0.8 -1

Line 15

Line 15

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

Issy-lesMoulineaux km km

Issy-lesMoulineaux

km

Human Development Index Mapping

Share of Immigrants Cost of Living

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

RueilMalmaison

RueilMalmaison

75

74

km

Commute from La Défense Now and the Future The analysis is then studied in a reverse way to see where do people living in the three communes around La Defense commute to.

The four most popular destination for work are Reuil-Malmaison, Pont de Sevres, Les Gresllons and Les Agnettes. They have various job natures, which are: industrial function and support, teritary, industrial function and support and public service respectively. They all fit in the 30mins commute time zone.

+100 billion Euro GNP +115,000 jobs +18 million m2 of built area

0 - 15 min Tremblayen-France

Gennevilliers

La Defense

< 500 500- 1,000 from the Commute 2,000-communes 3,000 three

Job nature < 500 Industrial and support 500- 1,000 Commercial and local services

2,000- 3,000

Public services

Tertiary services Job nature km

Commercial and local services

Commute time without Line 15

Public services

0 - 15 min

16 Tertiary - 30 min services

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

31 Tertiary - 45 min support services 46 - 60 min

Pont de Sevres

Commute > 60 min time without Line 15 0 - 15 min Line 15

16 - 30 min 31 - 45 min km

46 - 60 min > 60 min Line 15

km

km

Commute from La Défense

76

VilleneuveSaintGeorges

46 - 60 min Business cluster > 60 min Line 15

Commute timetime to/ from Commute to/ from La Defense with Line 15

La Defense with Line 15

Gagny Tremblayen-France NeuillyTremblaysur-Marne en-France

Fontenaysous-Bois Vincennes Noisyle-Grand BoulogneVillepinte NogentEpinayStains Billancourt sur-Marne sur-Seine Aulnaysous-Bois Issy-lesEpinayLe Blanc-Aulnay- Villepinte Stains Moulineaux sur-Seine Mesnil Sevran IvryMontrouge Gennevilliers Champigny-sursous-Bois surMalakoff Marne Courneuve Saint- La Seine MaisonsLe BlancMeudon Denis Alfort Châtillon Mesnil Sevran Colombes Drancy SaintLivryGennevilliersBagneux Maur-desAsnièresLa Courneuve Fossés Gargan SaintClamartsur-Seine Villejuif Saint - Aubervilliers VitryDenis sur-SeineDrancy Bobigny Colombes Clichy Ouen Créteil Bondy LivryL'HaÿCourbevoie Pantin Gargan Asnièresles-Ro se s Nanterre sur-Seine LevalloisNoisySaint- Aubervilliers ChâtenayPerretOuen le-Sec Bobigny ChoisyMalabry Puteaux Clichy Neuillyle-Roi Bondy Gagny Courbevoiesur-Seine Pantin RosnyNanterre Rueil- Suresnes LevalloisBagnolet VilleneuveNoisy-sous-Bois Malmaison SaintPerret Antony le-Sec Montreuil Georges Puteaux NeuillyNeuillysur-Marne Gagny sur-Seine FontenayRosnyRueil- Suresnes Bagnolet sous-Bois Vincennes sous-Bois Malmaison Noisyle-Grand MontreuilNogentBoulogneNeuillyBillancourt sur-Marne sur-Marne TremblayFontenayIssy-lesen-France sous-Bois Moulineaux Ivry- Vincennes Montrouge Champigny-sur-Noisysurle-Grand Malakoff BoulogneMarne Seine Maisons- NogentMeudon Billancourt Alfort sur-Marne Châtillon SaintBagneux Maur-desVillepinte EpinayIssy-lesFossés Stains Clamart sur-Seine AulnayVillejuif VitryMoulineaux sous-Bois IvryMontrouge sur-Seine Créteil Le Blanc- Champigny-surL'Haÿ- surMalakoff Marne Sevran Maisons-Mesnil Meudon Gennevilliersles-Ro se sSeine Alfort Châtillon ChâtenaySaint- La Courneuve SaintBagneux ChoisyMalabry Denis Maur-desle-Roi Colombes Drancy Fossés LivryClamart Gargan Asnières- Villejuif VitryAubervilliers Villeneuvesur-Seine Antony Saint- sur-Seine SaintCréteil Ouen L'HaÿBobigny Georges Clichy les-Ro se s Bondy Courbevoie Pantin Nanterre ChâtenayLevalloisNoisyChoisyMalabry Perret le-Sec le-Roi Puteaux NeuillyGagny sur-Seine RosnyRueil- Suresnes Villeneuve- sous-Bois Bagnolet Antony Malmaison SaintGeorges Montreuil Neuillysur-Marne Fontenaysous-Bois Vincennes Noisyle-Grand BoulogneNogentBillancourt sur-Marne Issy-lesMoulineaux IvryMontrouge Champigny-sursurMalakoff Marne Seine MaisonsMeudon Alfort Châtillon SaintBagneux Maur-desFossés Clamart Villejuif Vitrysur-Seine Créteil L'Haÿles-Ro se s PredictionChâtenayof various targets with Grand Paris Project ChoisyMalabry le-Roi Antony

km

LivryGargan

31 - 45 min

0 - 15 min

0 - 15 min

16 - 30 min

16 - 30 min

31 - 45 min

31min - 45 min 46 - 60 > 60 46 min- 60 min

> 60 min

Line 15

Business cluster

Finance Creative industry

Commute Aviation time to/ from La Defense with Line 15 International event exchanges Sustainable city 0 - 15 min Health industry 16 - 30 min Innovation and research 31 - 45 min 46 - 60 min > 60 min

Finance Creative industry Aviation

Finance event exchanges International Creative industry Sustainable city Health industry Aviation Innovation and research International event exchanges

Sustainable city Health industry Innovation and research

Finance Creative industry Aviation International event exchanges Sustainable city Health industry

km

Innovation and research

77

Tertiary support services Industrial and support

ReuilMalmaison

Villepinte Aulnaysous-Bois Le BlancMesnil Sevran

Saint- La Courneuve Denis Colombes Drancy Asnièressur-Seine Saint- Aubervilliers Ouen Bobigny Clichy Bondy Courbevoie Pantin Nanterre LevalloisNoisyPerret le-Sec Puteaux Neuillysur-Seine RosnyRueil- Suresnes Bagnolet sous-Bois Malmaison Montreuil

three communes

La Defense

Stains

16 - 30 min

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

Epinaysur-Seine

With the development of the seven thematic clusters around Grand Paris by 2030, Grand Paris Express aims at increasing speed of commerce and offering key connections to support them. The connectivity of La Defense will be extended with more flow of people and the ongoing residential development in the three communes shall suggest an increase in population.

However this can only be affirmed if the three communes have advantages over other choices of residence.

Commute from the Les Gresllons Les Agnettes

Commute time to/ from La Defense with Line 15

A Place to Reside

A more Transitional Place or the Reverse?

In order to see what is lacking for La Defense to develop in residential aspect, two places are chosen in comparison: Courbevoie where there is a significant outflow of residents and Rueil-Malmaison where most people from the three communes are migrating to.

Courbevoie in comparison is far more denser yet with fewer leisure facilities. Violence is more frequent there with higher unemployment rate. The lower cost of living is not compromisable with the aforementioned disadvantages. However, it is uncertain if the connection between these conditions and immigrant is legitimate.

Through analysing the flow of people to and from La Defense in terms of commute and migration, there are several issues revealed which should be addressed in later design stage: 1. La Defense may subject to more intensified social segregation with greater flow of people from different districts and at the same time more residents moving in.

Population change (%) -2.1 to -0.3 Tremblayen-France

Tremblayen-France

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

Epinaysur-Seine

Stains

Gennevilliers

Villepinte Aulnaysous-Bois Le BlancMesnil Sevran

-2.1 to -0.3 -0.3 to 1.1 1.1 to 3.0 3.0 to 5.0

Stains

Villepinte Aulnaysous-Bois Le BlancMesnil Sevran

La Courneuve SaintMigration from the Denis Drancy three communes

Colombes Asnières150- 200 Aubervilliers sur-Seine Saint 200- 300 Bobigny Clichy Ouen Bondy 300- 500 Pantin Nanterre Courbevoie LevalloisNoisyPerret le-Sec Line 15 Puteaux RosnyBagnolet Suresnes sous-Bois RueilMontreuil Malmaison Neuillysur-Seine Fontenaysous-Bois Vincennes BoulogneNogent Rueil-Malmaison Courbevoie Billancourt sur-Marne Villeneuve-

Gennevilliers Saint- La Courneuve Denis Colombes Drancy LivryGargan Asnièressur-Seine Saint- Aubervilliers Ouen Bobigny Clichy Bondy Pantin Nanterre Courbevoie LevalloisNoisyPerret le-Sec Puteaux Gagny RosnyBagnolet Suresnes sous-Bois RueilMontreuil Malmaison NeuillyNeuillysur-Seine sur-Marne Fontenaysous-Bois Vincennes Noisyle-Grand BoulogneNogentBillancourt sur-Marne Issy-lesMoulineaux IvryMontrouge Champigny-sursurMalakoff Marne Seine MaisonsMeudon Alfort Châtillon SaintBagneux Maur-desFossés Clamart Villejuif Vitrysur-Seine Créteil L'Haÿles-Ro se s ChâtenayChoisyMalabry le-Roi Antony

LivryGargan

Migration from the three communes 150- 200

Gagny Neuillysur-Marne

300- 500

Line 15

Noisyle-Grand

SaintGeorges

Comparision table between Rueil-Malmaison & Courbevoie

La Défemse as a place to live in too or only work?

VilleneuveSaintGeorges

79

Antony

78

4. More commuters will travel by public transport instead of cars, empty parking spaces shall be readapted to new use.

200- 300

Issy-lesPopulation 78,195 69,694 Moulineaux IvryMontrouge Champigny-surDensity (/sq.km) 5,300 Malakoff 20,000 surMarne Seine MaisonsMeudon 31,063 Châtillon 29,327 Cost of Living (Euros/year) Alfort Saint13.4Bagneux Violence (/thousand popn.) 5.6 Maur-desFossés Clamart 47 Leisure Facilities 6 Villejuif Vitrysur-Seine 8 16 Immigrants (%) Créteil L'HaÿUnemployment (%) 5.17 7.64 les-Ro se s ChâtenayChoisyMalabry Migration Trend from La Défense le-Roi

km

1.1 to 3.0 3.0 to 5.0

Population change (%)

Epinaysur-Seine

-0.3 to 1.1

3. La Defense and its communes are less attractive places to live when compared to nearby communes, and with Line 15 the choices of place to reside outside La Defense will increase.

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

It is worth noting that with the increasing connectivity by Line 15, the choice of residence will rise and La Defense and its communes should improve their quality of living in order to retain competitiveness.

2. La Defense will be reinforced as the financial hub where people from the other six clusters of industries shall meet.

km

Business Structures La Défense When talking about the demographic situation in La Defense it is relevant to look at the business structure. Being a business district used by 160.000 daily workers, those people shape the area. La Defense is a place of transit of a variety of workers. La Defence is currently undergoing the transformation from a national business district to an international business hub, which will shape the identity of the area.

29% Power and Utilities 14%

As a result of recent societal changes the 8% Manifacturing industries 17% demographic and social dynamics in La Defensé will change during the following 7% Information and communication years.

This will have a huge17%impact on the built environment, introducing new Finance and Insurance typologies and functions in the predominantly 20% monofunctional area. Initially, La Défense 13% Consultingas was planned a business district for 13% national companies. As we can see in the 5% sectors graphs, it Other has today evolved into a district 18% that serve international businesses along with the french national companies. Most of the jobs in La Défense are service sector jobs, and added to that the future trends in working methods in this sector will give

The global economy is no longer rooted in local reality but represented in a flow between complex systems. In other words, it is an insular economy whose flows of wealth do not spread beyond these meeting points within the global economy. This explains one of La Défense’s weaknesses: the neglect of relations with its immediate local area on 39% issues such as spatial planning, social life and economic activity. The slab remains a difficult object to access, and it becomes almost the image of La Defence’s awkward position as a global hub disconnected from its proximity.

91% of the employes in La Defence perceive it 29% as being a CBD with international relevance 14%

Power and Utilities

8%

Manifacturing industries

17%

141 HQ of international companies 7%

Information and communication

177 HQ of French companies

17%

French vs international companies

39%

Finance and Insurance

20%

29 HQ of international companies 13%

Consulting

118 French companies

Other sectors

13% 5% 18%

Distribution of French and International HQs in La Défense Busines Sectors of La Défense

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

business structures

rise to new urban forms and will change these workplaces and their relationship with the urban environment. At a time when La Défense is seeking to take deeper root in its host area, it is facing trends in the world economy that seem to be growing more and more distant from the concept of local level.

International companies

Paris center CBD 500.000 jobs

French companies La Defense 180.000 jobs

141 HQ of international companies

91% of the employes in La Defe as being a CBD with internation

81

80

Boulogne - Issy-les-Moulineaux 130.000 jobs Saint Denis 40.000 jobs

La Défense: A Place for Global Transfer

La Défense: A Place for Global Transfer

In the realm of a new political and financial situation in Europe after Brexit, Defacto launched the campaign Tired of the fog?

Try the frogs! which is aimed at companies in the UK, hoping for them to relocate their businesses to La Defense. The region Île-de-France has been a key figure in the battle of attracting new companies to La Defense with an extensive focus on the construction of Line 15, making La Defense well connected with other parts of Paris.

It is interesting to see all of those initiatives in a context of the recent rise of demonstrations in Paris. One could ask if the further development of La Defensé and its positioning as an international financial hub only hacks into the neo-liberal politics of Macron, a president with a declining support from the French population, without any relation to the resurrection of the french politicals ideals of socialism.

“Gilets Jaunes” (Yellow Vests) demonstration in La Défense, 2018 President Emmanuel Macron on the day of his nomination as preseident of France (Here seen in front of Nanterre)

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

Move flux diagram of workplaces as a result of Brexit

83

82

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

With the winning bid of getting European Banking Authority into La Defensé, the area is further strengthen in an european context. And with the election of Macron, and the restoration of a business-friendly attitude the positioning of La Defense and Paris as a financial key-player is a high priority for the current governance of France. Those include reforms that loosened labour laws, making it easier to hire and fire, the scrapping of France’s wealth tax and its transformation into a property tax. human behaviour occupying it.

Evea 2020

Arboretum

2 hectar public space

2020

80000 m2 office

125800 m2 offices

Lot 1 hanroit 2023

49000 m2 housing

Citylife

850 m2 retail

2019

22000 m2 offices

Lot 4 Hanriot 2023

Apoge

6700 m2 housing

2020

Cæur de Quatier 2020

1800 m2 office

15000 m2 housing 2000 m2 retail

Lot 1 hanroit

27000 m2 offices

2023

14000 m2 retail

9400 m2 housing

34000 m2 housing

Lot Pole Gare 2025

10000 m2 housing 30000 m2 office

L’Archipel 2021

Tour des Jardins de l’Arche

73000 m2 offices 7000 m2 retail

2022

Origine

65000 m2 retail/hotel

2022

Sisters

Berkeley

75000 m2 offices

22000 m2 offices

2022

45000 m2 housing

70000 m2 offices

Unknown

2000 m2 retail/hotel

400 m2 retail/hotel

Housing

10000 m2 housing

Arche Horizon

Hermitage Plaza

2019

2019

Belvedere

Window

2018

2018

15000 m2 offices

45000 m2 offices

37000 m2 offices

2019

30000 m2 retail

49000 m2 offices

160000 m2 housing

500 m2 retail 3500 m2 public space

3000 m2 retail

9000 m2 housing

Table Square

500 m2 retail

2020

4500 m2 public space

2020

69000 m2 offices

Alto

2019

Landscape Hekla 2022

51000 m2 offices

Saint-Gobain 2019

49000 m2 offices

80000 m2 unknown program

Campuséa Paris La Defence 2018

10300 m2 student housing

Carré Michelet 2018

84

37000 m2 offices

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

Altona

2024

Trinity

Oxygen 2024

2000 m2 offices

85

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

4000 m2 housing

29%

Power and Utilities

14%

17%

La Défense: A Programatic Change

17%

13% 5%

Other sectors

18%

141 HQ of international companies

The development of nomadic work modes, examples being coFinance and Insurance working, mobile work units - will lead to a part of the tertiary 20% stock becoming obsolete. Rather than large hubs generating 13% rush hour traffic and commuters, a multitude of micro polarities Consulting 13% will reduce distances between home and the workplace, making huge business districts largely unusable and out-dated.

Another 5% Other sectors 18% recent trend in regards to the spatial development of business districts are the concept of innovation districts. The creation of innovation districts is a recent trend in the economy.

In the early 2000s European and American cities began dedicating zones exclusively for the purpose of clustering entrepreneurs, startups, business and incubators.

These spaces 91% of the employesaccelerators in La Defence perceive it are via public transportation, support mixedas easily being a accessible CBD with international relevance use development, and nurtureFrench collaboration andcompanies knowledgevs international sharing.An innovation district is an urban development strategy that aims to regenerate an under-performing neighborhood into a location for innovative and creative companies and workers.

39%

91% of the employe as being a CBD with

177 HQ of French companies

141 HQ of international companies 177 HQ of French companies 29 HQ of international companies

29 HQ of international companies

118 French companies

118 French companies

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

International companies

Boulogne - Issy-les-Moulineaux 130.000 jobs Saint Denis 40.000 jobs Paris center CBD 500.000 jobs

French companies

Academia

Government

La Defense 180.000 jobs

Industry

Diagram showing the amount of unused office space Most important business districts in Paris Triple Helix Model for Innovation

87

In this context it is relevant to look at how La Defense has evolved as a CBD. If you look at a global scale you can divide business districts into different categories. The historic business district being the district that was developed organically within the existing urban fabric. Examples are Midtown in New York and the business district of City of London. Those business districts are usually characterized by an extensive amount of amenities and dense urbanity.

La Defense is an area where development was encouraged by public institutions to meet the increase in demand in office space. Influenced by the logic of segmentation and dogmas of modern urbanism, this type of business district is highly specialized towards its main function and rather monofunctional.

It is characterized by a lack of attendance outside of working hours and low urbanity.

13%

Consulting

17%

86

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

As being planned on the ideals of modernism, not only in a scale of the city space but also in the typology of the buildings; a lot of the building mass in La Defense is lacking behind when it comes to the future needs. The future of work is sometimes foreseen as becoming much more spread out than it is today. The time with fixed hours, salaried employees and the pyramid hierarchy will be past. Work will tend to become diffused geographically, floating in time, dispersed in its methods.

French vs international companies

20%

17%

7%

Information and communication

39%

Finance and Insurance

On 1st January 2018 EPADESA (Établissement Public d’Aménagement de La Défense Seine Arche) and Defacto (Établissement Public de Gestion et d’Animation de La Défense) were merged into a single local public institution: Paris La Défense. The new organisation claims that they are a ‘local public institution’ with international ambitions. Their most important task is to transform the district into a place where people can live as well as work, modernising the business district and ensuring its continued attractiveness.

14%

The CBD: The 4th Indutrial Revolution 8% Manifacturing industries

7%

Information and communication

29%

Power and Utilities

8%

Manifacturing industries

80

70

60

50

40

30

User and Space: Hierarchy and Interplay

To understand how La Défense is functioning at this moment, it is paramount to look at the users, the spaces they transition through and their interplay. Only a very small proportionsof its daily “interactors” is living in La Défense on a permanent basis, hence, resulting in high frequencies of deserted public spaces throughout the week. Most of the times only interrupted by the stream of workers flowing through them during the mornings, lunch and evenings. This leaves the question if the transitional character so firmly ingrained in the users and program of the spaces can truly be broken up, in a pursuit of ridding La Défense of its monofunctionally and creating a place with identity instead of the current non-place ever present.

89

88

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

user & space

However, as this is a tricky topic to quantify its criteria’s and success, this part will mainly focus on the impressions and experiences gained through various trips to La Defense and relevant data, giving necessary background knowledge. In order to understand the relation and key parts of the demographic groups more easily, they were split into generic user types.

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

Especially interesting for this study are the different user types and the different operation modes La Défense adepts depending on its users. This can be seen if you compare the weekday and weekend usage. While its character is still very much driven by the workforce and their schedule resulting in an efficiency orientated atmosphere lacking the human scale miserably during the week; It is during the weekends that La Défense is coming out of its shell with the help of its different mix of users and starts to feel alive and function like a well-rounded district. Making the formerly deserted and harsh spaces their own, bringing in the much needed human element.

User and Space: Hierarchy and Interplay

User Types

As seen in the data above it makes sense to assume that the catalyst for the transformation lies with the swap of employees and ”neighbours”. Whereas other types only show small differences throughout the week, these two exhibit great extremities.

Therefore, it is interesting to analyse this phenomenon in the context of ongoing talks about La Défense’s integration within its surroundings.

Local Workers 13%

Commute Workers 87%

Employee

Inhabitant

Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun

Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun

Interests: Office, Transport, Food Amount: 160.000 people

Interests: Office, Public Space, Culture Amount: 28.000 people

Neighbour

Student

Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun

Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun

Interests: Public Space, Shops, Food Amount: 182.000 people within 2km

Interests: Food, Public Space, Culture Amount: 45.000 people

Consumer

Tourist

Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun

Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun

Interests: Shops, Transport, Food Amount: 125.000 people per day

Interests: Shops, Landmarks, Culture Amount: 23.000 people per day

Employees

Students

Tourists

Tourists

Transitional Students

Inhabitants Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun

Transitional Character Workers Key Usre Weekday Key User Weekend

Interests: Shops, Transport, Food Amount: 400.000 people per day

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

Consumer

91

90

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

Students

User-Space Interplay

Aside from the predictable focus of human interactions with the built environment along the main axis and commercial quarter, it is more compelling to look at the smaller clusters in the northwest and south. What sets them apart from the remaining periphery is their more gradual connection to the ground level, allowing smoother travels between exterior communities and La Défense.

Illustrating that its elevated position on the pedestal gives rise to many of the problems it is facing nowadays especially its isolation from the surrounding built environment. Thereby, also being a major obstacle in La Défense pursuit of becoming more adaptable and meeting future needs.

B

B A

A

A B B

Inhabitants

Student

Consumer

Neighbour

Public Transport

Transitional

Weekday Interplay

Tourist

Weekend Interplay Spatial Usage and Adaptions

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

Employee

93

92

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

A

CNIT, an integral part of the touristic hub (Friday)

94

Exchange of users after work (Friday)

Instead of leaving the space for more homeless, a place of leisure and fun invented within it (Friday)

La DĂŠfense . Demographical Analysis

Iconic Arche de La Defense, attracting a continous flow of tourists (Friday)

Spatial Diary: Weekday

Farmers market injecting itself into the void (Friday) Adaptive alternative for a playground (Friday)

95

La DĂŠfense . Demographical Analysis

Spatial Diary: Weekday

Spatial Diary: Weekday

Spatial Diary: Weekend

Even with roughly the same amount of people occupying the public spaces for short periods of time, its weekday atmosphere is dominated by a loss of belonging. Every person is singlemindedly focused on reaching their destination or achieving their aim, no matter if they are employees, students or tourists.

B

Almost deserted public spaces during large periods (Wednesday)

A

Employees celebrating the weekend (Friday)

Creative reconfiguration of unwanted space between slabs as outdoor gym B

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

While this holds true around the main axis of the esplanade, just a short walk further outside you can find a “border” area bustling with life, having everything that sorely misses in the inside. Further, solidifying the need for a more perforated and unifying border approach in order to successfully tackle the issue of mono-functionality not only in the built environment but also in the human behaviour occupying it.

Neighbouring communities bringing space alive

97

96

Dance practice in reflective facade

Spatial Diary: Weekend

Spatial Diary: Weekend The first time visiting La DĂŠfense on a weekend leaves you very perplexed. New kinds and types of people, the once harsh mirrored facades are used as a practice stage for dancing and rehearsals and everybody seems to be enjoying themselves. It feels as if you woke up within a parallel universe, however, it is nothing more than the other side of its bipolarity regarding spatial use.

Visitors, tourists and inhabitants come together to play, relax and shop; giving it a human dimension

A

People coming to enjoy themselves

B

Successful shopper on the way home

B

Locals coming to the Bassin Takis to enjoy their time with the family

A

One of the few spaces for children in its surroundings

La DĂŠfense . Demographical Analysis

A

99

98

La DĂŠfense . Demographical Analysis

Using the already present body of people, integrating them more and moving towards the organic growth of a social identity distinct from being a CBD should be one of the first steps in the rehabilitation process.

Conclusions

To sum everything up, it is evident that La Défense’s transitional characteristics are linked with its users. We are already seeing signs of an organic community and perforating its border, creating a better interconnection with its surroundings in its two distinct operation modes.

Therefore, future projects should not only be orientated to balance the necessary amount of specific needs but actively engage with their surroundings and the neighbourhoods; becoming anchored within their context and bridging the current gap between La Défense and its neighbours not only in height but also in how they use and connect to their space. Resulting in a district that through its flexibility as well as users sets new standards for other business districts around the globe.

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

Split Realities

101

100

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

housing

Housing in La Défense

Employement in Paris

La Défense is looked at as if it only were a CBD, which is only partially correct. There are also residential buildings in the area.

Shopkeepers

Shopkeepers

Unemployed

Of the people living in La Défense, 70% also works there.

Inhabitants are to be seen as middle class workers, slightly less wealthy then the mean La Défense worker. A vast majority works in the service sector, as was to be predicted.

Compared to other Paris banlieues one sees less unemployment in La Défense, surely when comparing to a northern suburb like Saint-Denis. Rueil-Malmaison lies near La Défense, and is also one of the richer places. This makes the employment chart nearly the same as that of La Défense.

Differences don’t lie within La Défense versus surrounding area but more Western banlieues to Northern and Eastern ones.

Unemployed Management

Management Retired

Retired Worker Employee

Social

Employment among La Défense population

Worker

Social Employee

Employment among RueilMalmaison population

Shopkeeper s

Shopkeeper s

Management

Unemployed

Unemployed Social

Management Retired

102

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

Worker

Employment among Saint-Denis population

Mean Wage in Greater Paris

Worker Employee

Social

Employment among IssyLes-Moulineaux population

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

Employee

103

Retired

Housing in La Défense

When looking at a map with existing residential buildings highlighted, one sees directly that the buildings aren’t distributed evenly over the site but clustered. They have no prominent place on the site, as its main purpose is being a CBD. Besides being negative to the social mix between inhabitants and workers at La Défense, clustering is a normal reflex, as people want to flee the working space they spend their days in and fully rest.Almost all of the already existing residential buildings are monofunctional.

Most of the buildings are public housing units. Even private and public buildings are clustered. In that way La Défense can surely be viewed as a banlieue, albeit a richer and less populated one.

Map of residential buildings in La Défense

Housing Prices per m2 in Greater Paris

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

Clustering forms a problem for founding a balanced neighbourhood, and less vulnerable to sudden, economic or demographic changes.The area shows a higher housing vacancy rate than surrounding areas. This is partially because of the declining amount of inhabitants of the site. People are going away to other banlieues. Line 15 already has an impact on housing prices in Greater Paris, and Nanterre and surroundings are affected thoroughly.

105

104

Housing Vacancy Rate in Greater Paris

Housing in La Défense: Typologies

Most residential buildings are located in the Esplanade part of La Défense (the part closest by to Paris), and were built during the seventies.

None of these typologies really offer good environmental qualities. The ground floor is really important in this case and none of these types develop a good ground floor connection

Heavy, robust facades of residential buildings in La Défense

Résidence de l’Ancre (A) features a closed courtyard

Square Henri Regnault (SHR)

Clash between office towers and a smaller residential building (regarding facade materials, although all prefabricated)

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

Another type of building is the lifted building with an accessible courtyard. Often placed right next to an office tower, these buildings are looking towards themselves and away from La Défense. The open space is very dark and is not enjoyable, because there is no clear distinction between transit space and a space for staying. La Défense basically is one big structure with covered alleyways, overhangs and structures you need to go underneath or over to get to the outskirts of the area. There is therefore a clearer space definition needed. The courtyards should become places where people can rest from a busy day. Sometimes towers are placed together and thus form a courtyard. A good example are the towers around the square Henri Regnault. These towers are also disjoint from La Défense, also because they also aren’t on the slab.

107

106

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

There are two main typologies of residential buildings in La Défense. These two are the tower and the lifted low-rise (with an accessible courtyard). Both show little to no connection to the surroundings. They both look different from the offices in La Défense and are placed differently to the main square. The tower imitates the office tower and tries to compete with it. The higher residential buildings are often placed next to the slab, so connections are to be made for an entrance at slab level. These buildings are also linked to the facilities of the slab like the parking lot. If we look at Tour Ève, a mixed use tower with both dwellings as offices, we see an entrance hidden behind another building. It’s clear this building is on the second plan.

Typologies: Towers

Typologies: Towers

We have a closer look at Tour Ève, a mixed-use building next to the slab and Tour EDF, a single-use office tower next to the historical axis. Tour Ève was one of the first multifunctional buildings at the site, only 5 floors are used as office space and are below ground level, so no liveable mix is made. Comparing Tour Ève with an office tower, here Tour EDF reveals both have a smilar set-up.

In the middle of the building is placed a stiff core, where the circulation is placed. Different is the scale of the building. Office towers need to be more prominent. Tour EDF is around 1.5 times higher and wider than the residential tower. Therefore there is a circular corridor around the stiff core. The placement of the rooms is alike though. The main difference inside is the height of the floors, office towers feature higher floors, and false ceilings to cover ventilation and other service ducts.

Tour Ève Section (offices shown in light green and dwellings in dark green)

Tour EDF (EDF) Section (offices shown in light green)

Plan (irculation in blue, balconies in light green)

Plan (circulation shown in blue)

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

What if the dwellings of Tour Ève became offices?

109

108

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

Tour Ève features outside balconies, as many but not all buildings in the area do, whereas Tour EDF has a glass skin.

The main difference between office and residential buildings is the depth of the facade and the presence of glass. In residential buildings, glass is less omnipresent than concrete wallsLinking back to the housing vacancy and considering La Défense is an expensive office spot, one could change homes into offices. The picture below shows how this building will look according to the prevailing facade rules of La Défénse. This look also suits the change of an office tower into homes. The main question arises to what extent these typologies are interchangeable.

Typologies: Lifted Courtyard

Future

This part focuses on Résidence de l’Ancre, a courtyard low-rise lifted from the ground, with an accessible garden in the middle.

There are no similar office buildings in the area, but the structure resembles the Dalle of La Défense, which also makes a new ground floor and keeps level zero free to use for other purposes.

The buildings fits in a system of structures in La Défense, one needs to pass to get somewhere in this CBD. La Défense and its buildings form a superstructure of covered alleyways and bridges.

Many other residential buildings are placed on columns and thus form a canopy, but not all feature a courtyard. All lifted residential buildings inscribe in a trend of heavy walls and small windows, again opposing office towers.

La Défense is evolving into a multifunctional site, with a greater interest for dwellings. Therefore new mixed-use buildings are planned and some of the old residential buildings have to be demolished, like some of the buildings of the Les Damiers complex (D, map of the present). These are to be replaced by the new Hermitage Plaza project (H). This is a twin set of towers, forming the highest residential towers of Europe. The towers house student rooms, apartments, offices and a hotel, but they also and most prominently form a new landmark along the Axis.

The plaza between the twins wants to form a link between the Seine riverfront and the slab of La Défense, but also wants to revive this part of La Défense, breaking the cluster of dwellings and introducing retail and restaurants over there.

View under the Résidence de L’Ancre La Défense Slab, putting La Défense on a pedestal, like the Résidence

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

The big difference between these two projects is the prominence but also the tradition they fit into. Both house several functions but don’t look the same. Where the towers look like new office towers, glazed from bottom to top, Skylight shows depth in it’s facade and follows the ‘rules’ of already existing residential buildings.

111

110

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

There are some projects going on in the heart of La Défense, but with the Seine-Arche project, more focus lies on Nanterre. Along the axis are placed new mixed-use buildings. A special building at the backside of the Grande Arche, and already completed is Skylight (S). It offers a residential-only building, the first at the site in 30 years, with 168 student rooms and 113 dwellings, although the proposals included a school and office rooms. The school is set apart from the residential building in the end. This is a similar strategy followed by the school next to the Résidence Défense 2000 (D2000), which also features a school in a different building at ground level.

Future

Research Conclusion

The new buildings don’t really solve the underlying problem of clustering in the heart of La Défense, as they more focus on Nanterre in the Seine-Arche project. Nearly all projects are located along the historical axis and reach towards Nanterre. La Défense is left for what is it and problems are ignored.

A higher volume of people flowing and transitioning through La Défense results in new challenges, especially for its transit character and the quality of living associated with it. While its function as financial hub will be likely grow even more in importance, it’s the focus on retaining people and making them stay that will suffer. Due to the Grand Paris Express and its improvement in accessibility, people will tend to more often live in one of the connected communes and just commute to La Défense. However, as this defeats the purpose of recent plans to make La Défense more multifunctional, there is the need of future projects to be less platonic and just cover a functional need and instead actively engage with its neighbourhood.

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

Map of future residential buildings in and near La Défense

The current political and financial trends and forces, in the global as well as Parisian context clearly show a transition from the modernist planning of the CBD into a more holistic approach.

Recent initiatives from the governance of La Defense reveal ambitions for implementing this transition, but fails, without proposing an actual multifunctional program of La Defense.

The slab continuously exist as a physical barrier segregating La Defense from the surrounding neighbourhoods as well as being the image of a financial and cultural barrier dividing La Defense from Paris and France. To achieve the task of creating a multifunctional area it is necessary to treat the interactions and coexisting of the different programs and typologies.

113

112

La Défense . Demographical Analysis

Where most of the residential buildings in the heart of La Défense are pushed against its borders, new buildings in Nanterre are standing next to the historical axis. Behind the Arche, a less prominent place, residential buildings take up a more prominent place. They are higher than the buildings behind them, blocking the view, like office towers in La Défense also block the view of buildings behind them.

La DĂŠfense . Demographical Analysis

La DĂŠfense . Demographical Analysis

114

115

la dĂŠfense

117

116

morphological analysis

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

118

119

Introduction

Morphology Definition: The evolution of urban fabric within a changing spatial context over time.

La Défense defines the business district of Paris. Unlike other business districts which are usually situated in the heart of the city, La Défense sits as an urban island outside the Haussmann ring, which defines the historic centre of Paris. In order to compete on an international level as one of the global economic powers in modern times, Paris required a commercial district.

However, not wanting modern skyscrapers to infiltrate the pristine traditional architecture of Paris, in the 1950s the French state decided to transform the district of Nanterre into their contemporary business hub.

In this research booklet we study the area of la Défense, the relationships found within it and its relationships to surrounding Paris. This investigation is done through the lens of morphology at various scales, to uncover the correlations and systems at play in La Défense.

Loes Bekkers Alexander Galego Carlin Lion Brydie Singleton

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

We then expand our field of investigation once more, speculating the future interaction of La Défense with the historic centre of Paris, as their boundaries approach each other due to the inevitable process of urban expansion and populations growth.

What occurs as these two areas meet each other will be the turning point of a new era and is a matter worthy of speculation.

121

120

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

We commence a large scale, first analysing the infrastructure of the metro system and its evolution over time, leading into the current addition of the Grand Paris Express which will connect an outer ring to the growing city of Paris. The area of study then narrows down, focusing on the historical and morphological evolution of the area of La Défense, investigating how the urban fabric densified over time as it turned into the business hub we find today. The scale then decreases once more as we break down the specific built components that make up the DNA of La Défense, looking at elements that exist above and below ground.

History

1795

Urban Morphology

122

1731

1950

2019

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

However upon further reflection, la Defense is almost entirely successful given the nature of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, and the intended users of the area. La Defense had a sense of natural progression, from the early days of the roundabout it had the foundations for larger scale infrastructure, and was not as much of an alien insertion as it may appear on the individual scale. It was also an opportunistic location as it bridged the other side of the river. The space was uncomfortable for the individual walking around the area, as this was not the intention for, nor the purpose of the space. In fact, the human scale has been redefined within la Defense, it is designed for users, just on a larger scale of mass; the movement of waves of people during peak hours and lunch breaks.

1854

123

These maps indicate a rapid rate of city growth and urban sprawl. Every 50 years humans claim more land space for built environments, and layers of infrastructure are being added above and below. The growing population suggests a natural sprawl, however we must understand the edge condition of these spaces. As la Defense continues to manifest itself in the dedicated financial hub, the centre of the city will continue to spread its reach until it will collide with la Defense. The nature of the collision depends upon the future demand for space, and which building typologies will have a greater urgency. During early analysis, and after having visited the site, there was an overwhelming opinion that la Defense was not an enjoyable place to experience. We entertained the idea that la Defense may be an urban failure.

Evolution of Metropolitan System

1910

1920

1930

1900-1910

1911-1920

1921-1930

1931 - 1940

1900 Line 1 and Line 2 opened

Line 4 northbound opened

Line 6 opened as an extension of line 1 1902 Line 2 extended on the east 1903 Line 2 extended on the east (no changes after)

Line 6 eastbound extended 1904 Line 3 opened (work took longer bc of

existing infrastructure) 1905 Line 3 extended on the east 1906 Line 5 opened

Line 6 eastbound extended 1907 Line 5 extended on the north 1909 Line 4 the southbound opened

Line 6 extended on the east until todays

end-station & got renamed to Line 6 1910 Line 7 opened

Line 12 opened as line A

Line 3 westbound extended

Line 4 both sections got linked by a tunnel

1911 Line 3 westbound extended

Line 7 got a new branch to Pré Saint- Gervais

Line 12 extended to the north

Line 13 northbound opened as Line B 1912 Line 12 extended to the north

Line 13 a new branch opened 1913 Line 8 opened (part of is Line 10 today) 1916 Line 7 extended to the south

Line 12 northbound extended

1922 1923

1925 1926

1928

1930

1931 Line 7 nothbound and southbound got

connected by a tunnel

Line 8 extended to the east

Line 10 extended to the east 1933 Line 9 extended in the east 1934 Line 1 eastbound extended to todays end-station

Line 9 extended on the west (end-station)

Line 12 extended to the south (todays end-station) 1935 Line 11 opened 1937 Line 1 westbound extended

Line 3 extended on the west (end-station)

Line 8 extended

Line 9 extended on the east (end-station)

Line 10 extended to the west and part of

Line 8 turned to Line 10

Line 11 extended to the eastern end-station

Line 13 southbound opened 1939 Line 10 extended end-station in the east

Line 9 opened Line 9 extended on the east and west side. Line 10 opened (mostly Line 13 today) Line 10 extended to the east Line 7 extended to the south Line 10 extended to the east Line 8 extended Line 9 eastbound extended Line 7 extended and got a southbound on the other side of the Seine. Line 10 eastbound extended.

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

1900

125

124

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

Morphology of Infrastructure

Evolution of Metropolitan System

1960

1980

1990

1941-1960

1961-1980

1981-1990

1991-present

1942

1946 1952

1970 Line 8 extended to the south 1971 Line 3 extended on the east side to todays end-station 1972/3 Line 8 extended to the south 1973/5 Line 13 northbound and southbound

got connected by a tunnel 1974 Line 8 extended to the south 1976 Line 13 extended to the north and the south 1979 Line 7 got extended in the north 1980 Line 10 extended to the west

Line 13 extended to the north

1981 Line 10 extended to todays end-station

in the west 1982 Line 7 got a new branch in the south 1985 Line 5 extended on the north until

todays end-station

Line 7 extended in the south to todays end-station 1987 Line 7 got extended until todays

northern end-station

1992 Line 1 westbound extended until todays end-station 1998 Line 13 extended to the north (end- station)

Line 14 opened 2003 Line 14 extended to the north (end- station) 2007 Line 14 extended to todays southern end-station 2008 Line 13 extended to the northern end station on the second branch 2011 Line 8 extended to todays southern end-station 2012 Line 12 extended to totdays northern end-station 2013 Line 4 southbound extended to todays end-station

Line 5 northbound extended Line 8 extended to the south Line 7 got extended in the south Line 13 extended to the north

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

1940

127

126

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

Morphology of Infrastructure

Evolution of Metropolitan System

Evolution of Metropolitan System

Morphology of Infrastructure

Morphology of Infrastructure The business-future of Paris is getting bigger and already spreading out around Paris.These business hubs are mostly situated around Ligne 15, which makes it easy to be connected to other businesshubs, the airport and of course La Defense.

2019

Present

2020

2030

Future Line 15 is planned to open in phases between

Line 15 metro line

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

Business hubs in Paris

129

128

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

2020 and 2030

Cut-and-Cover Method

Shield Method cut-and-cover method Evolution of Excavation

Evolution of Excavation Tunnels were built underneath boulevards, and then they dug up the streets to build the tunnels. This method was faster than the shield method but left scars on the city.

This method of making the metro lines is used for the Grand Paris express (Ligne 15). Tunnels can be built everywere. This method is more efficient than the cut-and-cover method, but it is slower.

cut-and-cover cut-and-cover methodmethod

cut-and-cover cut-and-cover method method

metro can go under buildings

metro canmetro go under buildings can can gogounder buildingsThe new metro connects the outer parts Metro under buildings of the star formation with an outer circle

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

star formation

metro metro can can go go under under buildings buildings

shield method

metro can go under buildings

metro can go under buildings

131

130

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

metro follows boulevards

metro follows boulevards metro follows boulevards

metro metro follows follows boulevards boulevards

shield shield method method shield method shield connects the city method center through a metroMetro follows boulevards Metro follows boulevards

metro follows boulevards

Evolution of Excavation

Evolution of Excavation

<1950

1950-1959

1960-1969

1970-1980

On the Outskirts of Paris

Turning a Roundabout into a Business District

The beginning of the “Dalle” Boulevard

Crisis

Social Factors

Social Factors

The European Coal and Steel Community is established in 1951, and begins to unite European countries economically and politically after WW2.

in 1962 Algeria became independent of France after winning a 7 year war. May 68 saw violent protests by univerity students against the patriarchal French leadership.

Urban Outcomes

Urban Outcomes

Urban Outcomes

With the help of Georges Pompidou, France underwent great economic growth and transformed into one of the world’s great economic powers. In 1982 the Tête Défense competition was launched to ‘complete’ the historic axis.

The district of Puteaux was a wasteland that was progressively turned into an industrial zone. The continuation of the historic axis extended to the circular Rond Point de la Demi Lune, where the statue of La Defense de Paris stood situated in the middle. This statue erected in memory of the resistance of the Parisians during the seige of 1870, marked the location of and gave the name to, the future business district. Private use and residential brown brick buildings gathered in two zones.

The the first generation of buildings were built, with the CNIT in 1958 and the first tower, Tour Esso the following year.

In 1961 the statue was removed and the construction of the modern urban slab, the ‘dalle’ began. In 1964, the first layout plan for the business district was adopted. The main principles of which corresponded to the Athens Charter: separating automobile and pedestrian traffic

Social Factors

132

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

From 1944-46 Charles de Gaulle chaired the government body to establish democracy in France, promoting conservatism, nationalism and a centralized government.

Social Factors

Urban Outcomes In 1970 La Defense station was opened and connected to the city through the regional RER line. Following this, La Defense began to take shape as a second generation of buildings were born, the first plane tree was planted and the first works of art appeared. However the oil and economic crisis in 1973 saw nearly all construction in the area on hold.

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

Formal Morphology

133

Formal Morphology

Formal Morphology

1999-2011

Recovery

Maturing and Modernising

Social Factors

Social Factors

1982 - Launch of the Grand Projets by Francois Mitterrand 1993 - A second real estate crisis

2002 - France adopted the euro currency.

2007 - Nicolas Sarkozy announces the launch of Grand Paris Express.

2008/9 - GFC - Global Economic Crisis

Urban Outcomes From the 80s through to the 90s the third generation of buildings were constructed. In 1981 Quatre Temps, the biggest shopping centre in Europe at the time was completed. One year later in 1989 The Grand Arche was built. In 1992 Line 1 of the Paris Métro was extended to La Défense, making it more accessible from the city.

Urban Outcomes Renewal Plans for La Defense commenced, including large-scale renovation work on old and outdated buildings. Construction of residential spaces and more office spaces took place.The Boulevard Cir­ culaire was transformed into a more pleasant, human-scale ring road. In 2002, la Defense became home to a Christian community center. Policies were launched to promote cultural and shopping events.

morphologies La Défense . Morphological Analysis

1981-1998

135

134

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

Evolution of Excavation

Morphology Urban Morphology An initital reaction to the morphology of La Defense can be described as a monofunctional and globalised yet isolated.

Generic glass skyscrapers emerge out of nowhere and inform a district which fluctuates between commerical programs throughout the week and a tourist attraction during the weekend.

Its siting can be understood as a satellite node which is dislocated from the old Paris. What this allows for is an architectural freedom to experiment with modern architecture without ruining the classical character of old Paris.

Within the ring, skyscrapers are plotted with little restrictions on height and style. But interestingly what takes up more built area is the complex network of roads, pedestrianised networks and infrastructure. The effect of this open space often leaves visitors with the feeling of being in an urban desert where there is a disconnect between urban and human scales. The entire site operates on a commercial scale.

Statistics

Facts • • • • • •

The largest business district in Europe on a total of 160 hectares.

Occupied by 3,500 businesses 1,500 corporate head offices 200,000 employees, 80% of whom commute to La Défense by public transport.

600,000 m2 of housing space occupied by 20,000 inhabitants.

450,000 people/day use the “Cœur Transport” hub.

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

Total Area (within ring) : 801,200 m2 Built Area: 254,300 m2 Total Office Floor Area: 3,800,000m2 Roads/Infrastructure: 294,130m2

137

136

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

• • • •

Topography Natural Morphologies The contours reveal that the axis follows a valley which means minimal cut and fill was required to insert infrastructure. Even the historic axis is a grand gesture efficiently simply follows the contours. The cross hatched area shows which parts of La Dalle sit on the 20m plateau of the valley.

La Dalle takes the highest point and extends like a blanket over the axis to create the illusion of a plateau.

< 1934

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

The rail paths and their relationship to the contours also show how the rail is primarily dictated by the topography. The geology is the main factor which determines the location of major urban centres when it comes to the outer ring of Paris.

1980 - 1990

139

138

2004 - 2010

La Dalle Layers of Infrastructure A product of the utopian planning of the 1960’s and the beaux de arts system which imposed classical ideas of the proportion, symmetry and order, the dalle provides 27 hectares of public space.

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

140

141

The central spine follows the historic axis and symbolically connects it back to Paris. The pedestrian deck is marked by two major regional development initiatives - the development of social housing in Nantere and the functional separation of infrastructural systems coupled with the creation of new urban districts.

Flexible Public Space Temporal Morphologies The unbuilt area of La Defense serve as public spaces. They are open:

undefined empty unknown infrastructural transitory concealed Are the public spaces of La Defense undefined - like the office layouts - to make it flexible?

La Defense is a district where culture and leisure are mixed together. Events are suppposed to punctuate life at La Defense throughoput the year and contribute to the attractivity and international standing of the site.

Events:

142

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

•

The open area is flexible enough to host a variety of events.

However, during times where the space is unused, it is too open, the small scale of people don’t like being in a big open space like this.

The space is designed for everyone, which makes it a design for none.

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

• • • • •

Open-air museum (the map on the right shows a couple of the 69 different sculptures in and around La Defense) Jazz Festival Sporting events (yoga, running) Concerts Giant table football Cultural events e.g. Nuit Urbaines (large-scale digitalphysical and sensory installations) Christmas market

143

•

Roads Networks

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

144

145

The layers of La Dalle consist of a system of highways, and RER train lines which sit at the bottom. The experience of the commuter is displaced and limiting with little to no sight of La Defense. This lack of visual connection creates this disorienting labrinthine route.

The cross axis roads point to the original location of the roundabout which housed the original La Defense statue.

The Ring An Urban Island

2.

3.

5.

7.

8.

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

1.

147

146

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

La Defense is circled by a wide local road only linking with the major trunk road at the Pont de Neilly. The effect of this highway creates a business district that is disconnected from the surrounding suburbs and a boundary condition is created. The resulting boundary condition creates infrastructural undercrofts and thresholds.

The one way road was constructed in stages from 1980’s and the early 2000’s.

Underground Car Parkings

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

148

149

Beneath la dalle lies a complex network of transit infrastructure.

But perhaps more interestingly it hold Europe’s largest carpark which caters for 25,000 cars. Given the introduction of the Ligne 15 and Paris’ recent testing of driverless cars...this drawing begins to identify possible sites of intervention for spaces that will inevitably become obsolete. What will carparks become when cars don’t need to park?

Surrounding Morphology A Division of Living and Working In analysing the predominant typologies of the surrounding suburbs (Nantere, Puteaux and Courbevoie) we can further see an architectural and programatic disconnection between the main business district and the low rise housing that bounds it.

1. Open Courtyard Housing Block Mainly comprised of 1 and 2 storey housing blocks with laneway setbacks. Apart from the social housing in Nantere, the average house prices in this area are above average as they cater to the workers of La Defense.

2. Closed Courtyard Housing Block A continuous street frontage of 1 and 2 storey houses.

3. Narrow Row Houses 4. Medium Rise Housing and School Towards the River Seine frontage, the height of buildings increase to establish a strong edge condition along the waters edge.

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

6. Commercial Highrise To the North west, it seems as if La Defense has leaked out of the ring and commercial skyscrapers

151

150

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

5. Medium Density Mixed-Use Workers Housing In the north east of La Defense we start to see mixed use commercial/ housing buildings emerge. Usually typified by long stretching 5-8 storey developments surrounding parks which accomodate medium scale businesses and

Catalogue of Forms Formal Morphology La Defense presents to us a playground of forms; a petri dish of experimentation where archtiects didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stick to a standard form or format. This can be attributed to the little to no building regulations in La Defense, and the potential lack of a greater urban strategy. It also reveals the impulse of big corperations flaunting their wallets in an attempt to leave their individual imprint on the concrete playground. Power and identity expressed through built form.

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

152

153

The end result is an urban fabric laiden with a variation of morphological building shapes and identities. Upon analysing La Defense in plan, noteable building forms have been highlighted for futher analysis. From this we attempt to unpack the large corperations playing the game at La Defense.

Formal Morphology

Formal Morphology

Date: 1958 Typology: Mixed use Big tenants: Fnac (French retail chain), Hilton Hotel, ESSEC Business School (international higher education institution)

1.

2.

3.

4.

1. CNIT

Date: 1982 Typology: Office Big tenants: CA Technologies (software), United Technologies

5.

6.

7.

8.

5. Île-de-France

154

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

Date: 1984 Typology: Residence

9.

10.

11.

12.

9. Minerve

Date: 1974 Typology: Office Owner: AXA (a French multinational insurance firm) Big tenants: EY, Euler Hermes (credit insurance company) 13.

14.

15.

16.

13. Tour First

Date: 1989 Typology: Office Big tenants: Government bodies e.g. Energy and Sustainable Development and the Ministry of Housing, Territorial Equality and Rural Affairs 2. La Grande Arche

Date: 1969 Typology: Residence

6. Lorraine

Date: 1975 Typology: Residence

10. Maréchal Leclerc

Date: 2001 Typology: Office Big tenants: Électricité de France (France’s main electricity company)

14. Tour EDF

Date: 2001 Typology: Office Owners: Lone Star Funds (Texas investment fund) Big tenants: Lehman Brothers (past)

3. Tours Cœur Défense

Date: 1986 Typology: Office Big tenants: Alstom (a French multinational company in rail transport)

7. Michelet Galilée

Date: 1983 Typology: Residence

11. Platanes

Date: 1990 Typology: Office Owner: French Government Big tenants: The Ministries of Ecology and Housing

15. Tour Sequoia

Date: 1991 Typology: Office Big tenants: EBI SA (Financial Institution), AXA Technology Services

4. Les Collines de l’Arche

Date: 1973 Typology: Residence

8. Vision 80

Date: 2004 Typology: Office Big tenants: Philip Morris France (International Tobacco Exporter), VINCI Energies

12. Défense Plaza

Date: 1974 Typology: Office Owner: Covivio (European investment company) Big tenants: Suez SA (French-based utility company), AIG (American multinational finance and insurance corporation) 16. Tour CB21

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

Catalogue of Forms

155

Catalogue of Forms

Commercial Morphology Flexible Morphologies Most towers have a center with the structural part existing of concrete for stability. This center houses traffic area (lifts and stairs), sanitair functions and technical functions. The area surrounding this compact center is mostly built with a grid of columns to give the space enough felxibility.

Core Column Tour Majunga Schematic Floor Plan

Small Offices (1-2 people)

Large Rooms for Meetings

Medium Sized Offices (3-4 people)

Open Floor Plan

157

156

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

A flexible office is not supposed to be a space you consider as yours, but a standardized space which can be rapidly reconfigured. This explains why in new office buildings workspaces all have the same neutral look. Architects often focus on facades and forms - However only few buildings stand out.

In La Défense the CNIT building and the Grande Arche are the only buildings that stand out, because neither of them are towers.

The workspace still needs to be a space where people meet and socialise or sometimes even relax during or after working hours.

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

Reason for Flexible Space Because corporations often don’t have a specific location they want to be in, they change locations very easily based on tax benefits from local authorities.

Skyline Density

158

We focus our attention towards the morphology of building typologies; how does the modern generation use ‘offices’ and will they one day become obsolete, or are able to hybradise building usages for the future? What kind of work and jobs will there be in the future, will some jobs become irrelevant and what other jobs will replace them? We focus our proposals on two scales: the relationship of the residential centre with the infrastructure of the business district, and the individual scale of the office and living typologies.

1970

1980

1990

2000

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

Will new typologies urge la Defense to evolve and progress, and does La Defense have the capacity and foundation to be more than just a financial district? As our population grows, there will be a strenuous fight for space. There is a significant amount of vacant office areas in the towers, while at the same time there are many plans for more new buildings. It forces the question of who will need the space more urgently, commercial, residential, recreational groups?

1960

159

What kind of new language and typology has la Defense defined for Paris? There is a sudden implantation of a taller building typologies in an otherwise lower rise city. This begs the question of how the city of Paris will respond to these introductions of towers. Slowly the sky is being claimed and conquered by corporate bodies, therefore we must understand who occupies them and how they are being used. Are office towers the future of the city? How should we cater for the expansion of the business hub? With the introduction of line 15, the idea of a hub may become obsolete as we experience urban, economical and commercial sprawl along the new line while connectivity is improved. If la Defense is no longer a hub or a single destination, what will it represent?

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

Unclaimed Space Source: Benedicte Papilloud

161

160

Skyline Density Unclaimed Space

Potential Urban Scenarios

Type E Segregated

Type F

conclusion La Défense . Morphological Analysis

Type D Build Up

163

Type C Consumed

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

Type B Take Over

162

Type A Dispersed

Conclusions and Speculations

Potential Urban Scenarios

Money vs. Culture The research has forced us to question not only what is the future role of La Defense?...but what is the future of working cultures in Paris? The following speculations begin to explore the power relationships that take place between the commercial/financial strength of La Defense and cultural/historical strength of Paris. It is very much a question of money VS culture.

1. Collide: Paris wants to preserve it’s cultural and architectural identity and create a clearly defined broder between old and new? How will the morphology of commercial architecture negotiate with the classical architecture of paris?

2. Multiplied: Ligne 15 suggests a decentralisation of the CBD where the power of La Defense is spread across other urban HUBS 3. Consumed: Paris accepts the modernist architectural tradition of skyscrapers and these become absorbed into the identity of Paris 4. Infected: Does this commercial architecture take place in ad HOC interventions which carefully insert themselves into and around existing buildings?

5. Dispersed: La Defense takes over neighbouring suburbs.

6. Erased: The changing nature of work (working from home/hot desking) force corporate architecture to become obsolete or completely blurred with ideas around domesticity ie live/working.

9. Sliced: La Defense expands into Paris along the historic axis 10. Undergound: The prevalence of driverless cars and investment into public transport shows opportunities for underground development.

11. Landscraper: La Defense is decentralised and spread along Ligne 15 to create a new Haussman Ring within a landscraper typology. What this allows is a equal access to working opportunites and immediate connection to mobility networks.

12. Built Up: La Defense’s lack of height regulations allows it to grow infinitely higher.

Colide & Infiltrate Consumed & Centralised

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

8. Repeated: La Defense follows tradition and original plans to be repeated along the historic axis.

165

164

La Défense . Morphological Analysis

7. Take Over: The financial power of La Defense outweigh the cultural/ political power of Paris and take overthe city centre.

Infected Erased

Taken Over Repeated

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

Potential Urban Scenarios

167

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

166

Potential Urban Scenarios

Sliced Undergound

Landscraper Build Higher & Density

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

Potential Urban Scenarios

169

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

168

Potential Urban Scenarios

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

La DĂŠfense . Morphological Analysis

170

171

la dĂŠfense

173

172

programme analysis

Introduction

174

La Défense . Programme Analysis

A set of related measures or activities with a particular long-term aim.

Kylee Cangas Zuzka Jurová Karolina Tatar

La Défense is Europe’s largest purpose-built business district.

180,000 workers commute to the area per day. La Défense contains much of Paris’ high rise buildings and additionally the Les Quatre Temps, a large shopping mall. The Grande Arche stands triumphantly on the historical axis that runs all the way from the Louvre. A vast eslpanade runs throughout the sector, raising pedestrian passage above automobile infrastructure and public transport. Obviously distinguished from the rest of Paris, La Défense is characterized by its gigantic scale and collection of modern buildings.

La Défense . Programme Analysis

Definition:

Three kilometers west of Paris lies La Défense. It stands at the intersection of Courbevoie, Nanterre and Puteaux across the Sienne River from the main city.

175

Programme

District Perception Survey

2.

Baron Hausmann’s Ring Programme

3.

4.

1.

10.

6.

176

La Défense . Programme Analysis

8.

1. Nanterre La Defense:

Friends and aquaintances who live in Paris were surveyed for their opinions on its districts around the Haussmann Ring 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

6.

collective housing - high standard collective housing- low standard habitat -low standard Individual hagitat Cultural and leisure Cultural and leisure equipment Teaching equipments Health equipment Other equipment for the public Congress and exhibition centers Activities Extrepots, logistics offices Administration shops

Nanterre La Defense: Business towers, out of human scale, wind / offices, 7. shopping / University / offices, big empty “park” Bougle de Gennevilliers: Techno party in gennevilliers Plaine de France Banlieue Rouge: To airport / sports events / Stade de France / poverty / dodgy, unsecure for woman Axe Rosneen: Rosny 2 shopping mall, cute villages / new constructions, poor inhabitants / more housing and workplace Bougle de la Marne: Marne river, disneyland, far away / green, nature, quiet suburbs / childhood, housing, green Valle Seine Amont: Don’t know / shopping centers / architecture school Plattau de Villeiuif Orly: Orly airport, cool suburbs, artsy, Art museum Vitry sur Seine / airport / social housing / airport Vallee de la Bierve: Poverty but nice Plateau Devanves Clamart: Quiet suburbs / Rich south west pavillon housing family, traditional / Offices, new “La defense” district, but with less connec tion to the rest of Paris De la Seine Ouest: Richer suburbs, nature

-stadium stade de france

/

-on a way to airport

/

-sports events

/

-Stade de France

/ -poverty /

collective housing - high standard collective housing- low standard habitat -low standard Individual habitat cultural and leisure education health other public congress and exhibition centers others? logistics offices

airport and transport facilities sports outdoor sports fields leisure activities gardens trees, forests private gardens rural family gardens clearings agricultural surfaces Water/ energy equipment

installations aeroportuaires Installations transports ferooviaires Equipements sportifs Terrains de sport plein air Pares: activites de loisirs Pares jardins Bois, forets Jardins prives Vacant rural Jardins familliaux Clairieres Surfaces agricoles Equipements eau, energie

177

5.

7.

Habitat collectif discontinu Habitat continu bas Bagitat individuel Equipements culturels et de loisirs Equipements culturels et de loisirs Equipements d’enseignements Equipements de sante Autres equipements accueillant du public Centres de congres et d’expositions Activites Extrepots, logistique Bureaux Administration Commerces

La Défense . Programme Analysis

Habitat collectif continu haut

9.

Quality of District

Business District

Downtown districts with great location at the expense of quality of air and cost of living Territories with good employment conditions, good work-life balance and housing, employment stability, good public infrastructure The areas benefiting from affordable housing and good public infrastructure, but in adversity The areas with the good air quality, green spaces and housing, but insufficient public / transportation service

LA DEFENSE business district

La Défense . Programme Analysis

La Défense Business District

179

178

La Défense . Programme Analysis

PARIS

History

History

When the area was chosen for a business development location La Defense contained mostly farmland, a few factories, and shanty-towns. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location near to but distinctly separate from the historic city of Paris seemed like the logical place to allow for more modern expansion. The name of the district comes from the statue, La Defense, which is located within the area and along the Paris axis.

The CNIT, Esso Tower, and Nobel Tower were the first structures built in La Defense. The highway connections and the idea for the raised walkway followed. The notion of separating pedestrian, and automobile transit vertically to create ample space for those visiting the site on foot initially seemed innovative and modern. However, this method of top-down construction began the tendency to leave left over, empty spaces in between the complex platform development whether they were in the vast space between skyscrapers or within the many different layers of ground plane.

La DĂŠfense . Programme Analysis

La DĂŠfense . Programme Analysis

180

181

As the skyscrapers and commercial shopping centers grew, so did the complexity of the spaces between them. Raising the pedestrian walkways created vast voids on the platform and underneath the platform. These spaces are usually lacking in human scale, natural light, and ease of accessibility. The modern skyscrapers that comprise the area and the intricate underground transportation system could all be rendered useless as we approach the new age. Those innovative notions that La Defense developed itself around are now obstacles for its evolution.

General Functions

In-Between

La Défense is mostly made up of high-rise buildings dedicated to office space (3 million square metres). What makes this district really unique within the Paris region is the high concentration of large corporate headquarters and strategic decision-making centres. In order to accommodate major French and international corporations, La Défense has developed large-scale upmarket property assets.

After our site visit we decided to aim our research on the spaces that were not operating under those common programs (commercial/business/housing). The general functions are pretty simple to map and they are easily distinguished. What caught out interest were the spaces in between.

La Défense also features 600,000 housing units and since the inauguration of the Quatre-Temps shopping centre in 1981 it has become a major retail hub within the Paris region. By 2009, 180,000 employees workedin La Défense and the number of inhabitants reached 20,000.

La Défense . Programme Analysis

La Défense . Programme Analysis

La Défense also features a high concentration of learning and cultural institutions. It is a major centre for training in the social sciences, economics, the arts and culture, as it is home to the University of Paris X, Dauphine University, the Leonardo Da Vinci university campus and the dance school of the Paris Opera.

On our visit to La Defense we traveled along a cross section.

We saw a lot of potential in unused and abondoned places that were either designed and unfunctioning or undesigned and neglected. We have also noticed some functions that were very unusual in a business district. There were churches and a cemetery, art and education - as we saw it - humanizing the very strict business area. We realized that categorizing and mapping these uncommon functions could serve as an inspiration in our future designs.

officeoffice

public / public office / office

housing

housing

in between space

183

182

education education

Waste

Those sites of entrance/exit to La Defense. In most cases these pathways are hard to find. Some trails lead to completely dead ends. Some trails have varying widths and heights. The intricate system of leaving or entering the implicit border of La Defense creates an unwelcoming periphery.

Spaces designed for some function that do not work properly. This could include entrances to buildings on the unused ground floor, or roads that abandoned. These spaces happen frequently in various scales throughout the site. The desire for reclamation is already visible. Lovers look for a private place, kids play basketball, commuters park their cars.

paces as a side effect. They are hard to reach. They have no function at all. The layered transportation infrastructure results in many of these consequential sites such as underground voids and patches of greenery around highways.

There are various areas of these spaces which are vast enough for design intervention.

Emotional

Infrastructure

Unexpected functions seemingly detached from the typology of the district. A church is full at lunchtime, providing a human oriented break from the office life of La Defense.

A cemetery lies behind the Grande Arche beautiful and serene but almost impossible to reach. These deviations seem to humanize La Defense, filling previously unmet needs of its occupants.

Elements of the extensive system of infrastructure in La Defense that is no longer needed and subsequently abandoned. The plethora of these instances are empty highways and parking garages. The introduction of more public transit to La Defense means the amount of forsaken automobile infrastructure will most likely grow in area.

Greenery The amount and quality of greenery on the esplanade. It has been proven that humans thrive in environments where nature is present. The attributes of the esplanade at La Defense prohibits the installation of greenery except for the small planter. The desire, however, for more natural scapes is seen ironically in murals of trees on buildings and shallow attempts of landscaping.

La DĂŠfense . Programme Analysis

Error

185

La DĂŠfense . Programme Analysis

184

Transition

Position

Position

Abstract

Diagram

Understanding the obvious conditions of La Defense is vital, but in their realization, the consequences of developing such a complex business hub demanded our attention. The largest manmade business district in Europe sounds impressive; what this method left behind is human scale, emotional spaces that can be affected by their inhabitant. Instead, there is an overabundance of neglected concrete desert. What are the characterisitics of these in between spaces? Could separating these spaces by their causes and mapping where they are occurring/overlapping provide a targeted picture of where opportunities to improve La Defense lie?

1/ business district

2/ general functions

4B/ function subjective / humanizing ADD

La DĂŠfense . Programme Analysis

4A/ spatial objective / errors FIX

187

186

La DĂŠfense . Programme Analysis

3/ in between

Transition

VII

Waste Spaces

VIII

VI

VII V

VIII IV

I III

II

VI V IV I

M

M

M M

III

La Défense . Programme Analysis

Scale of Use

DFBFDKNBLFDJB

only applies during working hours (or immediately before /

189

188

La Défense . Programme Analysis

II

La Défense . Programme Analysis

La Défense . Programme Analysis

190

191

Errors

VI

III Emotional Space

VII

VII VIII

IV VI V VIII

IV

V III II I

I

II

Unused Infrastructure

Points of Interest

V

VII

Existing Future Scheme only applies during working hours (or immediately before / after). Ask for an employee card or sports card (must be MDW or TUD SC on). Trainers must also be officially in S&C clothing.

Coffee, free, but with peers under the right department, in a normal mug or cup Tea, idem, in normal glass or cup Cappuccino, idem, in a normal mug or cup Espresso, idem, in a normal mug or cup

Anomalies Errors Greenery

Waste Transition Infrastructure

La DĂŠfense . Programme Analysis

No Known Future Plan

193

192

La DĂŠfense . Programme Analysis

II

La DĂŠfense . Programme Analysis

La DĂŠfense . Programme Analysis

194

195

Future Plans Sustainable Futures

La DĂŠfense . Programme Analysis

La DĂŠfense . Programme Analysis

196

197

la dĂŠfense

199

198

projects

projects 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

esplanade de la défense parallel worlds entresol flow systems backyard (in vitry) towards in inclusive CBD le couloir underground office axis

3 6 9 8

4

7 1

La Défense . Projects

La Défense . Projects

200

201

2

la dĂŠfense

203

202

esplanade de la dĂŠfense

Introduction

Exiting the familiar environment of the train station, you find yourself within the esplanade in La Défense. Losing yourself in the large expanse of concrete slabs surrounded by the all too familiar glazed towers associated with modern high rises. The human scale seeming miniscule on this gigantic street, creating a disconnection between yourself and the space. Having most of its people hidden away inside of the offices most of the day creates the impression of a place that has not been inhabited before, raising questions about the qualities of La Défense and its characteristics as a transit space. The lack of permanent inhabitants and users, their involvement in the space and a lack of human identity seriously harming its liveability.

Currently only feeling alive during the short spans of workers coming and going or takeovers from the neighbouring communities on the weekends. How can this obsolete system of a CBD be adapted to meet newer needs and change before it is lost within the flow of time and become a shell of its former self.

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

Felipe Suzuki Ursini

205

204

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

Therefore, it is relevant to see La Défense within the Parisian context and the influence of the soon to come Line 15. Migration trends and analysis of the people flow will help us grasp how this affects the area and its dynamics. By inspecting the political and financial direction of La Défense and Paris, clues behind the forces shaping its future changes should become apparent.

Lastly, to see if La Défense will evolve to be more multifunctional and its implications to its function as a CBD, there will be a study of its programmatics systems and their transformation.

Longitudinal plan of the Esplanade de la Défense Reading the Esplanade

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

Satellite Map of la Défense

207

206

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

Esplanade de la Défense

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

Map of La Défense South-East

209

208

Map of La Défense North-West

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

Short section of the Esplanade de la Défense “Unveiling the Underground”

211

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

210

Short section of the Esplanade de la Défense “Unveiling the Underground”

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

~980m

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

residencial buildings and hotels

2370

la défense

housing units

Retail and services concentrate in the western side, around La Défense multimodal station and the Grande Arche. The 4 Temps mall and the Cnit are major destinations for the pedestrian flows in the Esplanade.

in a 500m radius from both stations in La Défense

La Défense Station

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

Map of la Défense Residential buildings and hotels in proximity to La Défense’s stations

213

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

212

considering 2 inhabitants/unit, the perimeter’s density is

9000 inhabitants/km².

The petit couronne (inner ring of the metropolitan Paris) zone’s density is

6650 inhabitants/km²

Esplanade de La Défense Buildings with retail/commercial activity on ground level

esplanade

3500

From west to east one observes the gradual lost of urban life in the public space. Around the Esplanade station, shops and restaurants are mostly hidden in the underground mall and most buildings are sterile on the open ground level.

housing units

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

Esplanade Station

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

214

215

Process Drawings Process Drawings

Design Proposal

From the assumption that the public space of the Esplanade de La Défense lacks urban intensity, meaning that it misses qualities for permanence admist its eminent transit vocation, the proposed intervention redesigns the landscape in the offset of the Grand Axis. The focus of the effort is the eastern edge of the district - centred around the Esplanade metro station - where the relation between private (underground and inside the buildings) and public spaces is mostly esterile.

Map of la Défense Overall Strategy - “Partido”

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

Playing a key role in the wish to promote activities of permanence, the design of the modular pavilion is an invitation to work, study, rest, chat, wait, read, play, and other situations that are usual in parisian public spaces. The simple wooden structure, basically mezanines provided with seats, tables and partitions, has different vocations depending on its insertion: out in the open, shaded by a tree, sheltered under the roof, connected to a café or a bar, performing the vertical transition between levels, etc.

217

216

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

In order to reconfigure the use of public space in La Défense, the main proposed gesture is to break the current surface ground to unveil the shops, services and all activities and flows related to the metro station. The resulting new ground level defines an urban scale and combines open and sheltered spaces in different degrees. The former dry monumentality of the Esplanade is adapted into a linear park that sits on top of the commercial streets. Retaining its imposing character and embracing the Grand Axis, the Esplanade level is turned to leasure and contemplation while maintaining the connections of the surrounding buildings through localized footbridges.

1. Esplanade Break the esplanade ground segmenting the total width and bringing shops and commercial streets to surface and sunlight and segmenting the total width;

2. New Structure Add a new structure on the existing grid (possibly using the existing columns) - reorganizing shops and services, station entrances and circulation on the new open ground level;

Axonometric of La Défense From Esplanade to Promenade

Sketch model of new Promenade proposal 1 : 1000

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

Implementing the linear park on top of the new ground level , the esplanade is redesigned as a leasure promenade along the Grand Axis

219

218

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

3. Promenade

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

Plan of Promenade 1 : 500

221

220

Plan of Promenade Open-ground Level

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

Plan of Linear Park 1 : 500

223

222

Plan of Promenade Esplanade Linear Park

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

Pavilion for Transit and Permanence 1 : 100

225

224

Lateral Elevation

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

Plan - Mezzanine Level Plan 1 : 100

227

226

Pavilion - Ground Level Plan 1 : 100

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

Section Structure and Installations Detail

229

228

Pavilion - Section 1 : 100

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

Perspective of Metro Station from the Esplanade Linear Park

231

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

230

Plan of Esplanade Linear Park

233

232 La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

Section through Station Open-ground Level and Linear Park

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

La Défense . Esplanade de La Défense

234

235

la dĂŠfense

237

236

parallel worlds

Introduction

238

Karolina Tatar Max Michl

Within the nowadays overlooked and unattractive border zones around the belt you can find various qualities sorely lacking within central La Défense and enough unused space and proximity to important functions, making them gems in the rough to tackle city objective of densification, while keeping the plot costs low. Inside these forgotten transit realms, a new modular frame is fitted, allowing the sell of opportunities and services rather than finished products.

Lastly, its flexible configuration allows it to shape and form differently depending on its context, making it an urban sponge. This lends itself to also empower its surrounding isolated housing development by acting as a central connecting node for the desired housing network, putting residential structures on a more equal base to its office counterpart.

In conclusion, rather than a fixed project, we believe it needs a new outlook and different approach in how it tackles living. Rather than just meeting numbers, it is about engaging the users and giving them freedom as well as a sense of security to keep them long term in La Défense and truly solving its problematic 9-5 monofunctionality.

La Défense . Parallel Worlds

La Défense . Parallel Worlds

It is within the way residential developments are set up and treated. Scattered fragments of housing blocks and mixed use towers can be found in between a domineering network of office towers, disrupting any opportunities for creating an identity or sense of belonging. thinking of future projects, it does not look like there will be any change in this approach either. Therefore, we are proposing a new system of housing, benefiting the inhabitant, developer as well as the government.

Each user is granted considerable freedom in arranging his personalised retreat, no matter if with standard components or completely from scratch. Thereby, fostering a sense of oneself inside the modules as well as the created community and allowing for personal creativity and adaption of the space, humanifying this machine like district.

239

Based on our research and experiences within the fields of program and demography, we found the retention of people one of La Défense’s key problems. While it perfectly fulfils its function as a CBD perfectly from nine to five, it is during the other sixteen hours where the problem lies. People do not find a liveable environment here and tend to commuting rather than staying for the long term. Many would only associate this lack of appeal only with its monofunctionality, however, comparing the average functions per inhabitant La Défense is performing even better than many other popular communes.

So where does the problem really lie?

Office & Retail Realm

Housing Realm

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

Preface - Two Faces

241

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

240

Preface - Two Faces

Research

Research Initial Questions Compared to the unliveable feeling you experience in the isolated work realm in La Défense, it is interesting to see the beautiful spaces and neighbourhoods just a few metres off the slab. It has a human touch, feels lively and overall makes you want to stay. But what creates the difference between these two opposite worlds? Lack of services and program, human scale and touch or maybe the sense of belonging and community?

La Défense . Parallel Worlds

La Défense . Parallel Worlds

Lively public spaces close to La Defense

243

242

Spaces fostering real life qualities

Research

Functional Programme

Ongoing Projects

Puteaux

Paris La Défense . Parallel Worlds

Looking at the services per inhabitant, La Défense does not show a big difference to other communes or Paris itself, even outperforming them in certain aspects. This can be partly attributed to a lower amount of people inhabiting La Défense, nonetheless, it leaves to question why it does not work.

Therefore, it makes sense to assume that just the numerical amount of services provided in an area does not result in people wanting to stay permanently and solving the key issue.

244

Offices

Housing

Public Spaces

Retail

245

La Défense . Parallel Worlds

La Defense

Research

Physical Border

Functional Border

The overdeveloped infrastructure around and below the slab creates various borders, complicating transitions through them and isolating the CBD from its surroundings. The high amount of monotone, open and unused spaces leaves a great lack of spatial clarity, resulting in often losing your way and not finding the few points of access. Complicating even the simple task of going to visit the surrounding neighbourhoods or visiting friends in new companies.

Due to the overly present physical border in La DĂŠfense, many forget about the equally important border between the realms of office and residential culture. Modern and open spaces near office buildings lack the characteristics of inhabited spaces, appearing very sterile and inhuman; making them very unsuited for permanent residents. Both realms have a very different set of materials and visual languages characterizing their operational spaces. Where one is looking for intimacy - the other side is looking for popularity and glamour. At the junction of such different spaces there is conflict and as a result desertification.

Difficultly accessible areas due to height differences

Pedestrian Access

Offices

Usage Intensity

Housing

Tension between housing and office blocks

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

Research

247

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

246

Research

Research

Research

Transit Spaces

Transit Spaces

The inherent characteristics of the border and transit zones, presented between the lively neighbourhoods and machinelike CBD have very interesting spatial consequences. Right on the outskirts of the slab you can find empty spaces, abandoned buildings, garages and parking lots. These spaces occur in groups - as complex, deserted networks that contain great potential for a more grounded development in La Défense. Some areas of the border have already attracted business investors.

Others, due to their characteristics, seem to have potential for other functional programs.

“Nothing disappears completely ... In space, what came earlier contiues to underpin what follows ... Pre-existing space underpins not only durable spatial arrangements, but also representational spaces and their attendant imagery and mythic narratives.”

Henri Lefebvre, The Production of Space

Greenery Spatial Waste Infrastructure Unused Housing Potential

La Défense . Parallel Worlds

Hidden pockets of quality spaces

249

248

La Défense . Parallel Worlds

Start-Up Potential

Conclusions

Conclusions

Human Ecosystem

Functional Network

These transit areas near the borders, created by infrastructural solutions and a rapid change of the functional program, are visible fascinating spatial and functional phenomena. They conceal very strong potentials and could provide and cover the demands and features missing for a sustainable human realm in central La Défense such as human scale or a sense of control.

Currently, there is little potential for housing to succeed within the CBD as the qualities needed for a business district deny typical housing and neighbourhoods formulas. Each one of them just separately scattered around the area, resulting in an isolated and dysfunctional residential realm, overpowered by the office features. Hence, new developments should try their utmost connecting these fragments and empowering them, thereby helping to make a better balance between office and residential. Not resulting in eithers total domination but rather working together next to each other.

HUMAN SCALE CONTROL PRIVACY TRANSITION COMMUNITY NATURE REAL GROUND

+

La Défense . Parallel Worlds

NETWORK cooparative strength

251

250

La Défense . Parallel Worlds

-

ISOLATION mutual weakness

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

Typology Conclusions

253

Typology Conclusions

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

Analysis Findings

252

Analysis Findings

Approach

Approach

Based on the findings during the analysis and research chapters, the theme and purpose became very clear. A new system of housing procurement, not planned by a top-down government or greedy people. A flexible system, allowing it to act as an urban infill within marginal spaces as well as allowing the user to personalise his home, creating a sense of belonging and achievement.

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

254

255

The system is based on the principle of providing a service rather than a complete project. An empty frame allows maximum flexibility, leaving it to the user to make their dream configuration, arrangement and aesthetic.

Standardised elements and preconfigured modules can be chosen, however, if necessary, there are little restrictions on the residents creativity to modify parts with the help of digital fabrication tools such as CNC.

Approach

Approach

Pary Interest Relations

Housing Cost Scheme

The approach of formulating and defining the system is based on the mutual benefit of interests for all three parties involved: Government, Developer and Resident. The diagram above illustrates these complex overlays happening between their interests. Both negative and positive. Highly connected themes with various overlays were Flexibility/Sustainability, Own Space/ Sense of Control and Income/Efficiency.

In order to make the system more affordable, it was necessary to take a look at the cost build-up of regular developments and see where there were potentials to save money without losing quality. As the marginal spaces are unwanted spaces they would lower the site cost and as the developer now offers a service, his efficiency is better while his profit comes from selling plots inside the frame. Making his profit and marketing redundant.

Lastly, the cost of building can be reduced through the use of digital fabrication or at least split up as they can grow their home over time.

Planning Tax

8%

6%

Site Infrastructure

6%

33%

Land Cost

13%

33%

Build Cost

17%

3%

Marketing

0%

17%

Profit

0%

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

8%

257

256

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

(Cost Built-Up Reference: Alastair Parvin, Housing without debt)

Approach

Approach

Concept Process

Concept Process

1. Finding Border Zones

5. Choosing Unit Configuration

2. Overlaying the System

6. Bringing in Personality

7. Life Cycle

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

4. People start Populating

259

258

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

3. Find fitting Massing

Approach

Approach

Site Study

Site Analysis

Circulation Routes

Reactivating Service Functions

Network and Private Spaces

Physical Border

Overall Context

Optimising Carpark Access

Massing Optimisation

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

Existing Functions on the site

261

260

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

Now it is time to transition from the theoretical system behind this project to a study of its implementation. The marginal space in Villon, previously analysed will be the context of this investigation. Initially, all of the previous data was compiled, followed by an architectural study of the space and context.

This gave the basis for the general intervention and guiding principles used to asses massing variations.

Approach

Approach

Massing Configurations

Massing Configurations 1. Interior Variations

Public Spaces Available Space on the Site

Services

Circulation

Common Spaces

Living Units

Personalized

Maximum Volume (due to Site Conditions) A.

B.

Massing Explorations

Chosen Massing Variation

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

2. Exterior Variations Customized Elevations Elements

263

262

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

C.

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

264

265

Module Variations Module Variations

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

Axonometric Master Plan

267

266

Project Project

Urban Realm

Orthographics

Orthographics

Ground Floor Plan 1 : 1000

Upper Floor Plan 1 : 200

La Défense . Parallel Worlds

Project

269

La Défense . Parallel Worlds

268

Project

271

270 La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

Short Building Section Not to Scale

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

Atmospheric Impression Collage

273

272

Atmospheric Impression Collage

Building Technology

Building Technology Structure

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

275

SHAFT

BRACING

ROGRAMU AUTODESK

274

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

The structure consists of a 5.7m by 5.7m spaced CLT frame.

These 300mm by 300mm structural members hold the individual living and act as the core of the design concept. The structure is braced by the circulation cores as well X-brazing, to ensure its rigidity. The crossing of the individual beams was intentionally celebrated by exposing the relevant steel connection plates, as a metaphor for the importance that connection and community have for this project.

ZAPROJEKTOWANO PRZY UŻYCIU WERSJI STUDENCKIEJ PROGRAMU AUTODESK

ZAPROJEKTOWANO PRZY UŻYCIU WERSJI STUDENCKIEJ PROGRAM ZAPROJEKTOWANO PRZY UŻYCIU WERSJI STUDENCKIEJ PROGRAMU

Building Technology

Climate

Materialisation

SHAFT SHAFT

SHAFT

BRACING BRACING

ZAPROJEKTOWANO PRZY UŻYCIU WERSJI STUDENCKIEJ PROGRAMU AUTODESK ZAPROJEKTOWANO PRZY UŻYCIU WERSJI STUDENCKIEJ PROGRAMU AUTODESK

SHAFT

ZAPROJEKTOWANO PRZY UŻYCIU WERSJI STUDENCKIEJ PROGRAMU AUTODESK

Assembly Scheme

CNC Frame Connection

Variable Facade Design

La Défense . Parallel Worlds

SHAFT

Water Collection

277

276

BRACING

La Défense . Parallel Worlds

CLT Connection System

As the core concept of this system is the fostering of human creativity and individuality, we decided on a modular system for the construction as well as cladding. Achieving variations in form and material. The cladding panels can easily be hooked onto the structural frame and with the ever more present technologies such as CNC or 3D-printing there are very little boundaries in what can be achieved. The CLT Frame and use of large green spaces was an intentional gesture to show our defiance to be swallowed up by La Défense.

WANO PRZY UŻYCIU WERSJI STUDENCKIEJ PROGRAMU AUTODESK ANO PRZY UŻYCIU WERSJI STUDENCKIEJ PROGRAMU AUTODESK

BRACING

By exposing the frame and having modular infills, we allow people maximum flexibility and make the whole construction more circular. Unlike regular constructions, this modular ZAPROJEKTOWANO PRZY UŻYCIU WERSJI STUDENCKIEJ PROGRAMU AUTODESK system can be exchanged to achieve better performances and in the process also reused for new modules. Each unit space has a rainwater collection built in which can later be used for laundry or flushing toilettes. Doors and windows are covered with aluminium box shades, minimising unwanted solar gains.

Greenery was used to create a pleasant atmosphere as well as clean the air.

BRACING

Building Technology

Orthographic Drawing

Collage

Section Cut 1 : 200

Facade Study 1 : 100

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

Building Technology

279

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

278

Building Technology

Building Technology

Building Technology

Construction Details

Construction Details

1

11 2 3 4

5

9 10

10 6

8 7 7

6 13 11

8

12

3 9 3 1

4 5

Balcony Connection 1 : 10

1. 20mm Laminate Flooring 2. 25mm Tongue and Groove Board 3. 12mm Recycled Rubber Sound Absorption Layer 4. 5mm Vapour Control Layer 5. 200mm Wikihouse Open Source Modular System (18mm structural plywood + full fill cellulose insulation) 6. 5mm Breather Membrane 7. Hollow Polycarbonate Covering (Inclination at 2%) 8. Geberit Pluvia Roof Drainage System on a C-shaped Support Structure with Hidden Gutter 9. 300mm CLT Supporting Structure 10. 421mm Depth Posi-Strut Joist PS16 (with Space for Installations) 11. 20mm Timber Grating Flooring Corridor Connection 1 : 10

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

1. 75mm Hook-on Facade panels system with clamping devices 2. 5mm Breather Membrane 3. 15mm Plywood Reinforcement Board 4. 200mm Wikihouse Open Source Modular System (18mm structural plywood + full fill cellulose insulation) 5. 5mm Vapour Control Layer 6. 12mm Recycled Rubber Sound Absorption Layer 7. 25mm Tongue and Groove Board 8. 20mm Laminate Flooring 9. Triple Glazed Balcony Doors 10. 7mm Anodized Aluminium Window Box Frame 11. 300mm CLT Supporting Structure 12. Hook-on Joist Hangers 13. 200x150mm CLT Balcony Structure

281

280

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

2

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

La DĂŠfense . Parallel Worlds

282

283

la dĂŠfense

285

284

entresol

La Défense . Entresol

La Défense . Entresol

Brydie Singleton Carlin Lion

287

286

Context

Location Plan

Context

Context

Site Plan

Site Plan

Bassin Datafield

Cathédrale

Lower Underground

La Défense . Entresol

Upper Underground

289

288

La Défense . Entresol

Cathédrale

Context

Context

Current Occupancies

Current Occupancies

1

QUARTRE TEMPS

VINCI Energies - technology support

Shopping centre

Philip Morris France- Tobacco exporter

2 EDF

State Street - Financial services

Électricité de France - utility office

10

RÉSIDENCE GALLIENI

3

ATLANTIQUE (carpark)

Residential

Formasquare - rentable meeting rooms

11 MAJUNGA

MicroStrategy - Software company

4

OPUS 12

12 ÎLE-DE-FRANCE

HSBC - Bank

Cushman & Wakefield - Commercial real

estate agency

13 ÈVE

Infosys - Software company

Linguarama Paris - Language school

Albioma - Electric utility company

Luxury apartments

ATKO IMPRESS SAS - Packaging

Regus - rentable offices, meeting company

rooms, virtual offices, and 14

FRANKLIN

videoconference rooms

Linagora - Software company

visible.digital - Software company

15

TOUR W

ProCapital - Financial services

Axway - software publisher

Management Solutions - Business

sepamail - software company

management consultant

iORGA Group - web development

6

RÉSIDENCE GALLIENI

Hardis - IT service management

Société générale - French bank

7

MICHELET GALILÉE

Adecco Groupe France - human resource

Societe Generale - Bank

Lhoist - Mineral export company

GE Grid Solutions - Utilities

Bandai France - Import export company

8

TOTAL MICHELET

16

RÉSIDENCE LA DÉFENSE

Corporate offices

Residential

9

DÉFENSE PLAZA

17

GE Capital - financial services

Residential

Bassins Cathedrale

FNAC

1

2

4

3

5

15 14

6 11

12 16

17

10

8 13

9

17

RÉSIDENCE BOIELDIEU Financial Services / Offices

Retail / Hopsitality / Leisure

Software Companies

Residual Underground Spaces

Residential

Co-working spaces

Present companies primarily consist of software and finance firms.

These are both heavy in the use and storage of digital data.

Financial Services / Offices Software Companies Residential

La Défense . Entresol

La Défense . Entresol

CA Technologies- Software company

Residential

290

Axa Investment - Financial Institution

291

5 ARIANE

Deloitte - Accounting

Context

Context

Transit

Car-Centric City

Increased connectivity and efficiency with new line 15 within the Grand Paris Express infrastructure means that public train transport will become more dominant. Also, the new lines will contribute to a net reduction in vehicle traffic.

4%

La Dalle

5%

24%

-1

51%

17%

Public Transport

-2

2 Modes -3

Car

Modes of transport useage within La Défense Source: Insee Recensement, 2011.

La Défense . Entresol

Other

293

292

La Défense . Entresol

Foot

Context

Context

Vacancies

Vacancies

La Defense was design to be car-centric. As a consequence of the lower car usage, there will be dormant car parks and vacant underground spaces.

Heightened mobility through meto means less cars; less cars means less carparks; less use of carparks means no more delivery of the worker to door/basement of their specific building, this leads to increased local foot traffic/scooter/bike traffic. Therefore the new priority should be to address these modes of transport which result from better metro connectivity.

Increasing flow of metro traffic

Cathedrale

FNAC

Vacant multilayered underground spaces lie dormant under La Dalle, a relic of the carcentric designed La Defense which was based on modernist principles.

Financial Services / Offices Software Companies

La Défense . Entresol

Increasingly vacant underground and carpark space

Bassins

295

294

La Défense . Entresol

La Defense has been designed as a car centric city. The future of mobility shows us that there will be an increase in train traffic, and with the construction of line 15 this is an undeniable future for la defense. This coupled with the eco-friendly aspirations of the 21st century leads us to ask the inevitable question; what happens to la defense when we move on from cars? This is a speculative future. What happens when cars are no longer the predominant transport method? If people aren’t driving cars, what are they driving? What are the ripple effects of this? There are multiple consequences...

Site Analysis

Site Analysis

Narrative

Initial Concept Relationships

Work Implementation

La Défense . Entresol

eo on tre a wo s th rk e i wi nfr th as in tru La ct Dé ura fe l ba ns e ckb

en aC Da t

rs

rke

296

wo

Consequence: Rise of the cloud - unanticipated consequences of the data production means demand for data storage.

Data Centre

he

Primarily software and finance companies, both of which are heavy in digital data

Data Storage Demand

rt

The Future of Work

fo

Current Occupancies

ies ilit ac c t f bli en pu pm the elo nd a

•

ev

•

ld

• • •

na

Underground Data Centre

sio

•

Structural stability Resistance to natural disasters Resistance to future weapons and cyber hackers Constant low temperatures No need for natural light Noise insulation from the public La Defense underground is still above natural ground level, no fear of moisture The invisible landscape

es

• •

of

Benefits of underground conditions:

Data Centre providing infrastructure for Digital Amphitheatre

Digital Amphitheatre La Défense . Entresol

La Defense was design to be car-centric. As a consequence of the lower car usage, there will be dormant car parks and vacant underground spaces.

297

Increased connectivity and efficiency with new line 15 / Grand Paris Express infrastructure means that public train transport will become more dominant.

Vacant Underground

f

Vacancies

Pr

Transit

Site Analysis

Site Analysis

Acknowledgement of Compeittion Brief for Residual Volumes

The Civic Gesture

Aspirations taken from Paris La Defense’s competition brief include the encouragement and implementation of emerging typologies, rather than simply repeating more of what is already existing (e.g. work, eating and shopping). They also phrase this as offering new functional spaces and opportunities. A data centre is an unexplored and urgent topic within la defense, bringing a new typology to la defense - which is in line with the evolution of the way we work.

Our response to the aspirations of the competition brief is a response tailored towards the working district.

The brief also aspires to create connections between underground volumes and between buildings across the dalle.

We can achieve this through the residual space of the carparks and the bassin which sit more or less in the middle of the dalle - meaning it can form the central meeting point where the underground thoroughfares can come together.

Shared subterranean passages would contribute to the development of route and passages within la defense in order to strengthen the urban community, which is in line with Paris La Defense’s ambitions.

Develop environmental aspirations is another goal Paris La Defense’s competition brief touches on. Investigating the recycling of the heat produced in the data centre into adjacent towers would respond to this.

We propose a platform showcasing emerging technologies such as the holographic lecture. Future technologies revolving around the presentation of lectures and seminars, e-learning and virtual education are ever evoling. We live in the era of the Ted Talk and such distributed learning technology is allowing people global access to world class information presented by specalists.

In 2015, Professor Stephen Hawking gave a public lecture to Sydney, from a studio in the University of Cambridge thanks to holographic technology. With this example occuring four years ago, we know the technology has only improved since then.

This is the platofrm that we wish to harness and push in our design. We propose a shared digital ampitheatre in La Defense where international specialist speakers can present lectures to the workers of la defense without having to travel to physically be there.

This presentation/auditorium space is conceived as a civic guesture to all the firms within La Defense. A shared community facility whereby the access to world class speakers and leading professionals can be exchanged.

La Défense . Entresol

La Défense . Entresol

299

With the data centre below and the digital auditroium above, the proposals complement each other as functions which disseminate information in a digital manner.

298

Finally, the vitalisation of underground space is an ambition repeated throughout the brief. A digital auditorium would undoubtably revitalise the space, bringing to the working community the possibility of the dissemination of world leading information by international speakers hosted in this shared lecture and convention space.

Focusing on the residual underground spaces, the volume of the Cathedrale naturally lends itself to the formation of an ampitheatre. From here we developed the concept of a digital auditorium.

Site Analysis

Site Analysis

Responding to La Défense

The Sites

Data centres are particularly relevant to software and finance industries, whom of which make up a large proportion of tenants in la defense.

1. Existing Carpark

Particularly having data storage located nearby is beneficial to these companies, as it ensures a low latency connection. Source: Wiredre, May 2019 This means that high volumes of data can travel with minimal delay. In the financial market, as more and more business and banking operations are executed online, lower latency now means more revenues. A millisecond decrease in a trade delay may boost a high-speed firm’s earnings by about 100 million per year. The Journal of Finance and Data Science, 2015 La Defense presents the opportunity of underground spaces which have not previously found appropriate or successful functions. Leading data storage centres are moving underground due to the securities and savings subterranean environments offer.

2. Existing Cathédrale

Double Height Series of Volumes Pockets of Different Scales Labrythine

6

3. Existing Bassin

La Défense . Entresol

301

Double Height Half Walls - Segregated / Framework Elevated Walkway Intimate Proximity to Carpark

La Défense . Entresol

Structural stability Resistance to natural disasters Resistance to future weapons and cyber hackers Constant low temperatures No need for natural light Noise insulation from the public La Defense underground is still above natural ground level, no fear of moisture

Photo « Cathédrale » (3)

300

• • • • • • •

Repetivie Grid Expansive Low Ceilings Monotonous

Programme Proposal

Programme Proposal

1. Existing Carpark

Data Centre Future of work suggests a more data centric and digitised world The financial and software nature of the current occupants make a data centre highly appropriate Rise of the cloud; misconception that the cloud is

2. Existing Cathédrale

Theatre The double height space lends itself to being a volume for perforamtic program Has a potential for being a public platform Slow reveal provided by the curved walls Communial dissemination of ideas Civic gesture ; recreation , leisure

3. Existing Bassin

Thermal Baths Intimate atmosphere

Civic gesture ; recreation , leisure

La Défense . Entresol

Proximity to heat produced by data centre

303

302

La Défense . Entresol

Intiguing space of discovery / volumes of curiosities

Programme Proposal

Programme Proposal

Storage Demand

Data Centres

Consequences of Future Work Flows - Rise of the Cloud

Data4 - One of the biggest data storage franchises in france, have a construction rate of one new building every 9 months.

In 12 years, they will have reached their siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capacity of data storage buildings, and will require a new site. This proves the continual demand for data centres and storage. This company could be framed as the client of the project.

As the future of work becomes increasingly digitised, companies depend more and more on cloud based serves to back up and protect their work and digital data bases. This is particularly relevant for industries such as software developement and finance whose predominant labour exists online and on computers.

The residual consequence of these digital labours is the high demand for data storage. Our dependency on digital archived information and increasing capacity requirements of cloud companies is driving massive investments in data center development.

La DĂŠfense . Entresol

La DĂŠfense . Entresol

304

305

Most banks and financial organisations prefer to use data centers located nearby their offices to ensure a low latency connection. Low latency describes a computer network that is optimized to process a very high volume of data messages with minimal delay. This links directly to the increasing needs of finance and software companies within la defense.

Source: Wiredre, May 2019

Programme Proposal

Programme Proposal

Data Centre Precedents

Proposed Data Centre

Bahnhof Pionen White Mountain Stockholm, Sweden

The Swedish ISP Bahnhof has a reputation for architecturally interesting data centers -- the company refers to its facilities as data bunkers -- and its flagship Pionen facility is foremost among them. The Pionen facility is built in a Cold War era nuclear bunker, and features both a standard UPS system for continuous power, and two Maybach diesel submarine engines for backup power generation.

Data Centre utilising underground tunnels Marsa, Malta

Office Reception

Control Room Switch Room UPS Telecom PDU Fire Monitor

Loading and Parking Network Racks Battery Racks Transformers WC

Cooling System Room

Emergency Generators

A collaboration between Enemalta (energy services provider) and international company Streamcast Technologies (providing streaming services) are developeding a data center in underground tunnels at Marsa.

La DĂŠfense . Entresol

Datafield

307

306

La DĂŠfense . Entresol

Data Server Total Floor Area 23,400m2 = 39MW Data Capacity Totaling 77 Carriers

Material Palette

Datafield

Datafield

Preliminary Abstract Realisation

La DĂŠfense . Entresol

Programme Proposal

309

La DĂŠfense . Entresol

308

Programme Proposal

Programme Proposal

Programme Proposal

Theatre Precedent and Material Palette

Datafield

Theatre Spatial Planning

La Défense . Entresol

Cathédrale

311

310

La Défense . Entresol

A retrofitted 1938 Art Deco theatre

Cathédrale

Cathédrale

Cathédrale

Preliminary Abstract Realisation

La Défense . Entresol

Programme Proposal

313

La Défense . Entresol

312

Programme Proposal

Programme Proposal

Programme Proposal

Thermal Baths Precedent and Material Palette

Thermal Baths A Formerwarehouse built at the end of the 17th century converted into thermal baths

Bassin

La DĂŠfense . Entresol

Bassin

315

314

La DĂŠfense . Entresol

AIRE Ancient Baths Barcelona, Spain

Entresol La Défense

Programme Proposal

La Défense . Entresol

Preliminary Abstract Realisation

317

316

La Défense . Entresol

Bassin

La DĂŠfense . Entresol

Datafield Theatre La DĂŠfense . Entresol

Proposal

319

318

Proposal

Proposal

Proposal

Climate Axonometric Diagram

Data Centre

Recycled Heat Production + Water Cooling

La DĂŠfense . Entresol

Bassin

321

320

La DĂŠfense . Entresol

Thermal Baths

Proposal

Proposal

Climate Summary

Datafield Climate Plan and Section

The Datacentre can heat 3,200m3 of water CONCRETE BEAM

per hour

CONCRETE COLUMN

COLD

Area of baths = 1,051m

Natural water temperature in

in British Thermal Units (BTUs) or

X 1.8m depth

pipes = 15OC

Required Heat 2

Kilowatts (KW)

COLD

HOT

COLD

BACK

Water Volume

HOT FRONT

Thermal Energy Heat energy output is measured

DATA SERVER RAISED SUB - FLOOR

CHILLER CONCRETE SLAB

Water temperature required in = 1,891m3 of water volume

thermal baths = 30 OC

An average 754 watt server

Water needs to be raised by

produces 0.75 KW per hour

15 OC THERMAL BATHS

Total number of servers in

Energy required to raise 3.8L

proposed Datacentre = 5,032

of water by 15 OC per hour =

= 3,774 KW of thermal energy

0.0045 KW per hour

HEATING POOL

COOLING TOWER

HEAT EXCHANGE CONDENSER

per hour 3.8L : 0.0045 KWh

COLD

HOT

COLD

HOT

COLD HOT PIPES RUNNING ABOVE SERVERS IN HOT AISLES

3.8L : 0.0045 KWh (amount needed) 3,200m3 : 3,774 KWh (amount data centre creates) 3,200m3 (volume of water La Défense . Entresol

water) = left over thermal energy

COLD PIPES RUNNING UNDER SUB - FLOOR IN COLD AISLES

323

322

La Défense . Entresol

datacentre can heat per hour) 1,891m3 (volume of thermal bath

50

17

Building Technology

Construction Detail

Construction Detail 4

17

50 7

Building Technology

17 3

5

15 10

50

1

1

2

2

6

3

40

3

100

5

9

6 4

6 Reference Plan

4

30

40

6

1

9

40

9

6

7

146

7.

La DĂŠfense . Entresol

7.

250 1. Cross-Section Elevated Walkway 1:5

2. Cross-Section Bath Detail 1 : 10

1005

325

6.

6.

10mm limestone tiles grouted with filling compound Tile Adhesive Double later waterproofing compound Structural concrete Folded 3mm stainless steel channel for overflow collection Cast-in 100m pipe for overflow collection, water is delivered to a central larger channel where it is returned to the filter room Bespoke curved tiles for arched bath

40 6 15

5.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1005 252

324

La DĂŠfense . Entresol

3.

4.

250 Steel universal beam Sitting on 3700mm Concrete half wall, connected through M30 bolts Stainless steel grate elevated walkway Stainless steel fixing M-clip connection to grating with M10 bolt146 6mm Panelised brass sheet as finish material, folded down at grate edge Connected to steel grate through stainless steel fixing 146 L-clip and bolt system 50mm brass balustrade, connected to UB flange through m10 bolt, offset 17mm from brass sheet bend for shadow line

180

1.

2.

1005

250

1005

146

146

1294

500

Building Technology

Building Technology

Construction Detail

Construction Detail

500

800

300

2670

250

4

7

250

4

180

180

3100

8

1005

1005

1005

5

6

2 3

3 1

5

2770

2

6

1

1294 7

326

La DĂŠfense . Entresol

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

In situ concrete bath 3700mm concrete half wall beyond Raised resting area, providing space for water tanks and equipment Concrete roof slab and beams Joint in concrete stair forming an integrated overflow gulley Cast in concrete slope PVC pipe, directing flow out to central concrete waste water channel running under elevated walkway, sloping away Pipes running below, cast into slab providing flow of fresh water to base of bath Drop lighting 3. Long Section Elevated Walkway 1 : 100

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

10mm bent sheet brass stair Brass connection plate pre-welded to brass stair, bolted on site to steel UB 250 Steel universal beam Stainless steel grate elevated walkway Stainless steel fixing M-clip as connection from UB to grate Stainless steel fixing C-clip forming connection between sheet brass panels 1100mm tall brass balustrade 3700mm Concrete half wall

4. Long Section Elevated Walkway 1 : 10

327

1.

2.

3.

La DĂŠfense . Entresol

8

La DĂŠfense . Entresol

La DĂŠfense . Entresol

328

329

la dĂŠfense

331

330

flow systems

Proposal Process Datafield Climate Plan and Section Clear Connections There are many spots in La Défense that are hard to reach and quite difficult to find. This proposal will include the clarity of direction(s) and will eventually propose a design to enable a connection between certain points with the principal axis of orientation: The Esplanade

Re-use Undergound Currently, the unused underground has a lot of potential in La Défense - even taking future possibilities into account. The new metro line and subsequent reduction of cars will lead to vacant areas under the main esplanade. The design proposes the use of underground spacesto create a park - woods - using the levels under and filling them with soil to give enough space for the roots of the trees to grow.

Zuzana Jurova

La Défense . Flow Systems

Buildings as solid objects are creating streets - public areas. In La Défense this process is also taking into place, however, the main focus goes to a singular street - the main axis and the rest are neglected.

Because of the high price of the sites in La Défense it is necessary for a better flow and access for people to create building that won’t cut off pedestrian paths but rather support them. This will create diverse atmospheres along the path.

333

332

La Défense . Flow Systems

Buildings - Not as obstacles

ESPLANADE POINTS BUSINESS POINTS RESIDENTIAL POINTS

La Défense . Flow Systems

POINTS OF CONNECTION - OUTDOOR MUSEUM - MAZE web

335

334

La Défense . Flow Systems

Proposal Process

The original idea guiding the whole process of creating my proposal originated with my design of connecting the discussed area through currently unused parking spaces underground.

The path would lead from main esplanade under the mall and then through a certain structure that would take up space that is the most sketchy place in the neighborhood at the moment.

By designing an underground connection with boieldieu neighborhood I would reduce the amount of obsticles (stairs) that pedestrians have to take in order to get to their home. The flow connects the main esplanade and is devided according to the different treshold that it goes throurh.

La DĂŠfense . Flow Systems

Underground Connection

337

Original Idea

La DĂŠfense . Flow Systems

Proposal Process

336

Proposal Process

Proposal Process

Proposal Process

Three Points

Support Tresholds

By designing three points that are also geometrically connected, I would clarify the direction and attempt to create a clear orientation poitns that are easy to follow. My three points are placed according to the functional division of the areas.

As the analysis showed, there were many obstacles along the way of pedestrians. However, the way of changing obsticales into a positive and pleasant thing for the pedestrians is to turning them into a thresholds that support the difirentiation of the functional seperation of the area.

1

3

La DĂŠfense . Flow Systems

La DĂŠfense . Flow Systems

2

339

338

3 POINTS

Proposal Process

Proposal Process

Reduction of Obstacles

Reduction of Obstacles

By changing obstacles into thresholds I would reduce the effort of pedestrians to take the path every day in order to get to a specific place. By reducing the effort, I would be supporting further use and development of “likebality” of the area.

COLLECTOR - landscape - stairs - commercial

PASSAGE - undergroud - commercial (connected with the mall)

TRANSPORT

HUB

- co-working - gym - observatory - cafe/restaurant

PARKING

GATE - co-working - HOUSING - commercial

FOREST

La Défense . Flow Systems

La Défense . Flow Systems

340

341

- park - recreation

Proposal Process

Proposal Process

Forest

Forest

La Défense . Flow Systems

La Défense . Flow Systems

342

343

Using the underground for base layer of natural greenery allows be to brings “woods” - park into La Défense. By creating this greenery I am hoping to eliminate further neglect of built unused spaces by replacing them with nature that doesn’t require constant maintenance and doesn’t age as most of the concrete public leftover spaces in La Défense. By designing this park I will improve the conditions for residents of the area as well as the workers who can come down and enjoy a bit of natural environment during lunch breaks.

Proposal Process

Proposal Process

Flow Plan

Flow Design The boieldieu neighborhood serves as a case study for the rest of la defense in order to create better fluctuation of pedestrains. One of the main problems with neglected areas that we researched in la defense are conected with the lack of accessibilty and generally not enough knowledge about what is out there. By creating connectors I would densify the neighborhoods - make them more accessible and most importantly I would bring awerness and clear direction to pedestrains. Connector will aslo serve as a point of orientation.

COLLECTOR - observatory - stairs - cafe

PASSAGE - through mall - commercial (connected with the mall)

TRANSPORT -

HUB

co-working gym observatory cafe/restaurant

PARKING

GATE

- park - recreation

Connectors and their floor plan 7th Floor

La DĂŠfense . Flow Systems

FOREST

345

344

La DĂŠfense . Flow Systems

- co-working - HOUSING - commercial

Proposal Process

Final Design

Section - Variety

Masterplan - Web of Flows

5 1

5

5 5

1

6 6

2 2

6

6

1

2

5

7 3

La Défense . Flow Systems

7

3

7 4

4

7

6

La Défense . Flow Systems

7

3

347

346

4

Final Design

Final Design

Flow

Flow

Flow is dynamic transition between scale, speed and space.

In the current fractured urban tissue of modern la defense it is difficult to find a way around.

The design is more closely focused on a case study of Boieldieu neighborhood. The specific study of the existing pedestrian flows show the lack of quality thresholds and high number of obstacles. By changing the obstacles into thresholds, I am attempting to improve the experience of the everyday use of the path from neighborhood to the main esplanade. The three thresholds are divided according to the specific use of the areas which paths crosses: public, business and residential.

My design proposes simple connection through geometrically similar structures serving as landmarks to better navigate oneself within the space.

The access to la defense is cut off by the dominant car infrastructure, the access to areas beyond esplanade is cut off by dominant main axis and the buildings forming it. Narrow paths and many stairs are characteristics of current state of La Defense. Elimination of the flow of pedestrians is an important issue that I am trying to solve in this project. For my project I am focusing more closely on a specific area that I found working on the program research. The area’s characteristics pushed me into rethinking the pedestrian tissue of La Defense.

La Défense . Flow Systems

La Défense . Flow Systems

349

This conceptualization of buildings as discrete intervals evolving within vast and fluctuating fields of forces allows me to react on the fast-changing urban condition and state of mobility. Here the primary material I am working with is the flow. The flow dictates the design and at the same time I dictate restructuring the flow.

348

My design proposes new urban pedestrian organization within la defense. The lack of orientation points as well as lack of quality public spaces is solved by creating “squares” connectors in the surrounding neighborhoods. The connectors serve as substitution for void square and is filled with public use and alternative way of business working in the future – co-working.

The connector’s use may differ within La Defense – their use may adapt according to the type of area they are connecting. They are connected with main esplanade through round structures evenly spaced serving as observatories or collectors.

There is a specific observatory collector in the public function, a connector in the business area that allows people to get to their work faster and with better atmosphere, and finally there is a gate building densifying the residential area (which is a assumption for the future development) and serving as a literal gate to the residential area – separating it from business buildings and creating better privacy.

Orthographic Drawing

Orthographic Drawing

4th Floor

7th Floor

La Défense . Flow Systems

Final Design

351

La Défense . Flow Systems

350

Final Design

Final Design Axonometric Drawings 1. Connector

Observatory

2. Connector

Co-Working

Restaurant

La Défense . Flow Systems

Café

353

352

La Défense . Flow Systems

Observatory

La DĂŠfense . Flow Systems

Short Section

355

Design Logic Diagram

La DĂŠfense . Flow Systems

Final Design

354

Final Design

357

356 La Défense . Flow Systems

La Défense . Flow Systems

Long Section 1 : 500

La Défense . Flow Systems

La Défense . Flow Systems

358

359

Final Design Final Design

Building Technology

Building Technology

Axonometric From technical point of view, my proposal is divided into two main structure elements: columns and slabs. Columns are supporting slabs by hanging and by vertical support. Load bearing elements are therefore columns and ropes.

The hanging structure allows me to place the pedestrian bridges wherever I find suitable and I do not have to rely on stability and load bearing support from other already existing building structures. The whole structure is softly in-serted into the chaotic urban composition of la defense.

Most of the circular structures in the middle of esplanade are purely observatory collectors with-out an inside climate. The connectors placed along the axis inside of business areas are half way open for free pedestrian flow. From 8th floor up, the inside climate is created for co-working spaces. Sun absorption is controlled by solar shading panels, which turn the solar energy into electrical energy for the building. The whole material of my hanging structure is Corten as a main facade element. Columns and pedestrian pathways are combination of steel and concrete (see details).

Load-Bearing Pillar

Load-Bearing Rope Load Bearing Column

7th Floor Pedestrian Bridge

La DĂŠfense . Flow Systems

La DĂŠfense . Flow Systems

360

361

Console

Stable Concrete Core

Building Technology

Building Technology

Construction Detail

Construction Detail

Cross-Section Tower 1 : 200

Elevated Slab Detail 1:5

La DĂŠfense . Flow Systems

Detail 02

363

362

La DĂŠfense . Flow Systems

Detail 01

Building Technology

Slab-to-Window Joint Detail

La Défense . Flow Systems

La Défense . Flow Systems

Construction Detail

365

364

1 : 10

La Défense . Flow Systems

La Défense . Flow Systems

366

367

la dĂŠfense

369

368

backyard

Introduction

Paris Riots 2005

La DĂŠfense . Backyard

Alexander Galego

371

370

La DĂŠfense . Backyard

There is a long history of fragmentation between Paris and its surrounding suburbs, known as banlieues. Historically, this duality was produced by urban renewal plans and policies that expelled the working class from the heart of Paris to its periphery.

This deep disconnect between Paris and its suburbs is important to consider because the Grand Paris and the 2024 Olympics are being marketed as an opportunity to stitch this fragmented territory back together. I wanted to start my spatial investigation by mapping current demographics, to examine how the Parisian metropolitan space is organized and segregated along class and racial lines. These parameters are important to consider when mapping gentrification, since low-income communities of color tend to be more at risk.

Analysis

Analysis

What is the effect of Ligne 15 on La Défense?

Ligne 15

Sarkozy’s plan for Grand Paris Express is a political gesture as much as an urban one. The 2005 Paris riots marked the beginning of tensions around unemployment and police harassment in the poorer housing estates located on the eastern suburbs. It was around this time that Sarkozy announces Ligne 15, a plan which seeks to unify a divided Paris.

The following excerpt from the Ligne 15 community consultation report suggests that the introduction of Ligne 15 is also a reaction to emerging CBD’s and an attempt link them together...and in doing so create a polycentric CBD which encircles Paris.

By accepting the Banlieu (suburbs) of Paris and La Defense into the sprawling identity of Paris, there is a clear desire to rebalance this access to transport, employment and housing.

La Defense: Beyond Urban Forms 2012 Community Consultation Report

1.

2.

8.

Linking these established and emerging CBD’s poses an interesting challenge to the suburban areas as their desireability increases more people will want to live along Ligne 15 because of its proximity to transport and job opportunities.

6.

4.

La Défense . Backyard

5.

- It shows that Paris is not just investing in large enterprise in LaD, but also SME’s which make up over 90% of enterprises in Grand Paris.

- creates a highly desireable gateway to this ring of commerce.

- Ligne 15 marks another layer of sprawl in the history of Paris and prepares for the next chapter of population growth around the outer ring suburbs. Reports predict the population will stay about the same in the centre of Paris (no highrise allowed) but increase by 2 million in the suburbs by 2050 without displacing existing inhabitants.

La Défense . Backyard

3.

373

9.

7.

372

“Employment remains highly concentrated in the central part of the agglomeration, however, employment has been spreading to the outer suburbs (the new towns and Roissy), but especially to the inner suburbs (Plaine St Denis, Valde- Fontenay, Orly-Rungis).

In recent years, these service sector centres have emerged and are likely to grow to the north, the east and south-east of Paris, sometimes complementing La Défense and sometimes competing with it”

Chapter 1 - Analysis

Analysis

Density Around Train Stations

Density Around Train Stations

Densification primarily occurs around stations and open green spaces in response to their efficiency, connectedness and an increased quality of living.

The initial strategy to create a uniform ring condition which houses living and working within a landscraper could not compete with the efficiency of a skyscraper because it was building on top of existing properties. It also didn’t really fit within existing systems of transport and didn’t respond to the changing character of neighbourhoods it would cut through - it assumed a continuous condition.

“By 2050, the population shift of Paris will react to the oversaturation of the Haussman ring... The 2 million people coming to Paris are set to move to the outer ring suburbs”

La Défense . Backyard

La Défense . Backyard

375

- Evie Burrows Taylor Urbanist

374

A 10 minute walking distance between train station and work is often considered an ideal distance and often marks the edge of secondary CBD’s and the location of living and working. The close proximity of stations along Ligne 15 shows that there will be little variation. The longest distance between stations (Van de Fontenay and Le Perreux Nogent) is a 30 minute walk. “Convential wisdom suggests that urban form influences travel behaviour in several ways. Higher residential densities and greater land-use mix reduces the distance between activities, thus facilitating walking and cycling (Cervero and Kockelman,1997; Newman and Kenworthy, 1992).

Analysis

A Proposition

Conclusion

A Landscape, A Shared Backyard

The Grand Paris express looks at the larger scale transport infrastructure for travelling long distances but doesn;t address intermediary modes of mobility, cycling, walking etc...A suburban scale, the close priximty of the stops are in some cases a 20 minute walk or a 5 minute cycle....

My proposal is not to simply build higher density work/living developments along Ligne 15, but rather create a green corridor that will allow quality higher density live/working developments to emerge on either side. (distributed green amenity)

These short distances suggest that there will be little variation between places of working and living.

Along the trail of Ligne 15, 65% of the urban fabric is attached single story private dwellings with an average floor space area.

How can we introduce a housing scale that is denser to accomodate 2 million people by 2050 without displacing existing locals?

Developing strategies to increase density and amenity along Ligne 15.

A new undulating garden stretches along Ligne 15 and provides a new open green space amenity to the live working developments that will inevitably emerge over the coming years.

La DĂŠfense . Backyard

La DĂŠfense . Backyard

377

An opportunity exists to not only re-purpose the tunnelled soil and clay as a foundation for a new landscape but a new building/ structural material. Clay is a primary element for bricks and as the geology changes along ligne 15, this will influence the kinds of landscapes and structures that are born of the underground soils giving each neighbourhood a distinct character.

376

Can we densify the suburbs in a way that connects them?

The soil and clay that is bored from the underground tunnels is brought above ground to create a new topography that pedesitrianises streets and creates a new green corridor.

How can we support Polycentric cities and the inevitable densification around stations that allow people to live and work near transport?

A Proposition

Geology along Ligne 15 Paris, France

La Défense . Backyard

Government Architects Office NSW Greener Places Policy Document 2018

379

378

La Défense . Backyard

Who Benefits from Green Infrastructure?

A Proposition

A Case Study

Strategies for Connecting Transport Nodes With Pedestrian and Cycle Links

What is in Vitry?

What is its Character?

Option 1 A radical and destructive approach to how the green corridor directly relates to Ligne 15

In identifying Vitry as one of the lowest density suburbs along Ligne 15 - mostly made up of detached single story dwellings, an opportunity exists to see how the green corridor would perform in this suburb.

Option 2

La DĂŠfense . Backyard

La DĂŠfense . Backyard

380

381

A more sensitive approach to how the green corridor sits in relation to Ligne 15

La Défense . Backyard

La Défense . Backyard

382

383

A Case Study A Case Study

Vitry Location Map Vitry

La Défense . Backyard

Strategies of Densification around the Backyard

385

Strategies of Densification around the Backyard

La Défense . Backyard

A Case Study

384

A Case Study

A Case Study Orthographic Drawings

Elevation 1 : 250

La Défense . Backyard

“A new green corridor of high density living/working along Ligne 15” Avenue Du Moulin Axonometric

387

386

La Défense . Backyard

Long Section 1 : 250

Orthographic Drawings

Illustration

Alng a new green corridor, a new suburban form emerges from the single story dwellings to accommodate a higher desnsity of living and working. This strategy seeks to provide a pedestrian and cycling connection between the outer ring suburbs of Paris.

La DĂŠfense . Backyard

A Case Study

389

La DĂŠfense . Backyard

388

A Case Study

Illustration

Illustration

These new live/work dwellings are framed around the park/courtyard which identified as the main architectural tool for social exchange, gatherings and leisure. just as Ligne 15 aims to connect Paris through transport, this new parks aims to connect Paris socially through healthier living and working.

The Kitchen. In order to achieve a higher density of housing, the dwellings interrogate the minimum area of private space required...to rebalance this, shared amenities such as kitchen and lounge rooms have been incorporated. These moments allow for social exchange to take place between the residents, the workers and teh neighbourhood in an attempt to connect Paris on a social level.

La DĂŠfense . Backyard

A Case Study

391

La DĂŠfense . Backyard

390

A Case Study

A Case Study

East Elevation 1 : 20

La Défense . Backyard

Vitry’s world class arts and cultural institutions suggest a strong connection to craft and making. by bringing this “surbubia”, it enhances and showcases the strengths of Vitry’s bustling art scene by supporting artist residencies with fabrication studios and housing above.

393

392

La Défense . Backyard

Illustration

La DĂŠfense . Backyard

Structure

395

Material

La DĂŠfense . Backyard

Building Technology

394

Chapter 4 - Building Technology

La DĂŠfense . Backyard

Climate Principles

397

Climate

La DĂŠfense . Backyard

Building Technology

396

Building Technology

Construction Details Legend

Construction Detail

Facade Section - Roof Detail 1 : 50

La DĂŠfense . Backyard

Building Technology

399

La DĂŠfense . Backyard

398

Building Technology

Construction Detail

Construction Detail

Facade Detail 1 : 50

External Wall Section 1 : 50

La DĂŠfense . Backyard

Building Technology

401

La DĂŠfense . Backyard

400

Building Technology

Construction Detail

Construction Detail

External Wall Plan Detail 1:5

Rood Detail Wall Section - Floor Slab 1 : 10

La DĂŠfense . Backyard

Building Technology

403

La DĂŠfense . Backyard

402

Building Technology

La Défense . Backyard

La Défense . Backyard

404

405

la dĂŠfense

407

406

towards an inclusive CBD

Introduction

La Défense is with its 560 hectare the largest purposely built business district in Europe. The area is planned on modernist ideals as a business district, mainly for national french companies. Most of the jobs in La Défense are service sector jobs, but future trends in working methods in this sector will give rise to new urban forms and will change these workplaces and their relationship with the urban environment. Furthermore at a time when La Défense is seeking to take deeper root in its host area, it is facing trends in the world economy that seem to be growing more and more distant from the concept of local level.

La Défense . Towards an inclusive CBD

Jeppe Lorentsen

409

408

La Défense . Towards an inclusive CBD

The global economy is no longer rooted in local reality but represented in a flow between complex systems. In other words, it is an insular economy whose flows of wealth do not spread beyond these meeting points within the global economy.

This explains one of La Défense’s weaknesses: the neglect of relations with its immediate local area on issues such as spatial planning, social life and economic activity. The slab remains a difficult object to access, and it becomes almost the image of La Defence’s awkward position as a global hub disconnected from its proximity.

Findings

Findings

La Defense is an area where development was encouraged by public institutions to meet the increase in demand in office space. Influenced by the logic of segmentation and dogmas of modern urbanism, this type of business district is highly specialized towards its main function and rather monofunctional. It is characterized by a lack of attendance outside of working hours and low urbanity. The development of nomadic work modes, examples being co-working, mobile work units - will lead to a part of the tertiary stock becoming obsolete. Rather than large hubs generating rush hour traffic and commuters, a multitude of micro polarities will reduce distances between home and the workplace, making huge business districts largely unusable and out-dated.

The global economy is no longer rooted in local reality but represented in a flow between complex systems. In other words, it is an insular economy whose flows of wealth do not spread beyond these meeting points within the global economy. This explains one of La Défenseŧs weaknesses: the neglect of relations with its immediate local area on issues such as spatial planning, social life and economic activity. The slab remains a difficult object to access, and it becomes almost the image of La Defenceŧs awkward position as a global hub disconnected from its proximity.

mnt rne ve Go

Aca de m

Another recent trend in regards to the spatial development of business districts are the concept of innovation districts. The creation of innovation districts is a recent trend dustry La Défense is with its 560 hectare the in built the economy.

In the early In 2000s European and American largest purposely business district in Europe. The area is planned on modernist cities began dedicating zones exclusively for the purpose ideals as a business district, mainly for national frenchof companies.

Most of the jobs clustering entrepreneurs, startups, business accelerators in La Défense are service sector jobs, but and These spaces are easily accessible via public future trends in workingincubators. methods in this ia sector will give rise to new urban forms and transportation, support mixed-use development, and nurture will change these workplaces and their relationship with the urban environment. collaboration and knowledge-sharing. An innovation district Furthermore at a time when La Défense is seeking to takeis deeper in its host area, it anrooturban development strategy that aims to regenerate an is facing trends in the world economy that seem to be growing more and more distant under-performing neighborhood into a location for innovative from the concept of local level. and creative companies and workers.

jobs

500

.00

0 jo

bs

Paris C ent er C BD

Bo ul o

.000

180

s

Distribution of jobs in Greater Paris

La Défense . Towards an inclusive CBD

job

411

s

00

job

Sain tD en is

00

40.0

ense Def La

lineaux Mou esy-l Iss

0.0

410

egn

13

La Défense . Towards an inclusive CBD

Could these ideals be integrated in La Defense?

Findings

Findings

17%

Finance and Insurance

13%

Consulting

Other sectors

17%

13%

39%

5% 18%

20%

13%

Consulting

Power and Utilities

Today’s technology manifests a virtual infrastructure for working, it gives us the freedom to overcome the office as a space. What if we imagined the office as a landscape of aesthetics and effects, that could increase awareness of our direct surroundings?

7%

Information and communication

Other sectors

39%

20%

Industry

13%

n refurbishme ba nt Ur

5% 18%

Other sectors

Finance and Insurance

Consulting

D

ia

Other sectors

Jobs per sector in La Défense Future Scenario Projection

Triple Helix Model

413

Consulting

Information and communication

n refurbishme D ba nt Ur

Aca de m

Finance and Insurance

Manifacturing industries

revitaliza cial tio So n

Power and Utilities

revitaliza cial tio So n

Information and communication

La Défense . Towards an inclusive CBD

Manifacturing industries

mnt rne ve Go

La Défense . Towards an inclusive CBD

17%

8%

Manifacturing industries

Finance and Insurance

29%

14%

atising inno ocr va t em

412

7%

atising inno ocr va t em

pport mixed-use development, and re collaboration and knowledge-shaAn innovation district is an urban develnt strategy that aims to regenerate an -performing neighborhood into a locatiinnovative and creative companies and rs.

17%

Power and Utilities

??

European and American cities began dedicating zones exclusively for the purpose of Another recent trend in regards to the clustering entrepreneurs, startups, business alaccelerators development of business districts are and incubators. These spaces oncept of innovation are easily accessible districts. via public The transportation innovation districts is a recentand on,ofsupport mixed-use development, innurture the economy.

In the early 2000s collaboration and knowledge-shaean American district cities began dedicaring.and An innovation is an urban develones exclusively for the purpose of opment strategy that aims to regenerate an under-performing neighborhood into a locatiering entrepreneurs, startups, business on for innovative and creative erators and incubators.

Thesecompanies spaces and workers. asily accessible via public transportati-

8%

ion

becoming obsolete. Rather than large generating rushrecent hour traffic and com-to the Another trend in regards development of business districts s,spatial a multitude of micro polarities will are concept between of innovation districts.

The ethe distances home and the creation of innovation districtsdistricts is a recent place, making huge business in theand economy.

In the early 2000s ytrend unusable out-dated.

14%

Manifacturing industries

Information and communication

Today the influence of information technology is radically transforming what it means to work. It is sometimes described as the New Economy, the shift of production from the physical to the digital world is creating new ways of employment, while spatially blurring the lines between work and leisure. Opposing the general attitude towards the spaces of business districts and innovation districts the project should proposes transformation as a tool for the typological evolution of the workspace.

29%

Power and Utilities

ion

La Defense is an area where development was encouraged by public institutions to meet the increase in demand in office space. Influenced by the logic of segmentation and dogmas of modern urbanism, this La Defense is an areaiswhere type of business district highlydevelopspecialized was encouraged by public institutions towards its main function and rather monIt isincharacterized by a lack of etofunctional. the increase demand in office of working hours and low . attendance Influenced outside by the logic of segmentatidevelopment of nomadic durbanity. dogmasThe of modern urbanism, this work examples co-working, mobile ofmodes, business districtbeing is highly specialized work will lead and to a part of the tertiary ds its units main -function rather monstock becoming obsolete. Rather than large tional. It is characterized by a lack of hubs generating rush hour traffic and comdance outside of working hours and low muters, a multitude of micro polarities will ity.

The distances development of nomadic work reduce between home and the s,workplace, examplesmaking being co-working, mobile huge business districts units - will lead toand a part of the tertiary largely unusable out-dated.

La Défense . Towards an inclusive CBD

La Défense . Towards an inclusive CBD

414

415

Mapping Business Structures of La Défense

Mapping Business Stuctures

22

22

13 13

33

14 14

13 13

15 15

14 14

15 15

Office Officetower towerfrom from1966 1966 Office Officetower towerfrom from1974 1974 Floor Floorspace: space:34.300 34.300m2 m2 Floor Floorspace: space:86,707 86,707m2 m2 Building Buildingheight: height:109 109meters meters Building Buildingheight: height:225 225meters meters

Office Officetower towerfrom from2015 2015 Office Officetower towerfrom from1972 1972 Floor Floorspace: space:81,615 81,615m2 m2 Floor Floorspace: space:39.300 39.300m2 m2 Building Buildingheight: height:209 209meters meters Building Buildingheight: height:135 135meters meters

Office Officetower towerfrom from1974 1974 Office Officetower towerfrom from1988 1988 Floor Floorspace: space:86,707 86,707m2 m2 Floor Floorspace: space:100,000 100,000m2 m2 Building Buildingheight: height:225 225meters meters Building Buildingheight: height:130 130meters meters

Office Officetower towerfrom from1972 1972 Office Officetower towerfrom from2001 2001 Floor Floorspace: space:39.300 39.300m2 m2 Floor Floorspace: space:57,000 57,000m2 m2 Building Buildingheight: height:135 135meters meters Building Buildingheight: height:165 165meters meters

Office Officetower towerfrom from1988 1988 Floor Floorspace: space:100,000 100,000m2 m2 Building Buildingheight: height:130 130meters meters

Office Officetower towerfrom from2001 2001 Floor Floorspace: space:57,000 57,000m2 m2 Building Buildingheight: height:165 165meters meters

PUBLIC PUBLICUTILITY UTILITY

FINANCIAL FINANCIALSERVICES SERVICES

PUBLIC PUBLICUTILITY UTILITY

FINANCIAL FINANCIALSERVICES SERVICES PUBLIC PUBLICBANKING BANKINGAUTHORITY AUTHORITY

INSURANCE INSURANCE

PUBLIC PUBLICBANKING BANKINGAUTHORITY AUTHORITY UTILITY UTILITY

CONSULTANCY CONSULTANCY

UTILITY UTILITY

RTE RTE(Réseau (Réseaude deTransport Transportd'Électricité) d'Électricité)isisaaFrench Frenchcompany company owned ownedby byEdF EdFresponsible responsiblefor forthe theoperation, operation,maintenance maintenance and anddevelopment developmentofofthe theFrench Frenchhigh-voltage high-voltagetransmission transmission system. system.

Allianz Allianzisisaamultinational multinationalfinancial financialservice servicecompany company RTE RTEfounded (Réseau founded (Réseaude deTransport Transport AXA AXAd'Électricité) isd'Électricité) isaaFrench Frenchmultinational multinational isisaaFrench Frenchcompany insurance company insurancefirm firmthat that Allianz Allianz engages engages isisaamultinational multinational The The financial financial European European service service Banking Banking company company Authority Authority founded founded (EBA) (EBA)isisaaregulatory regulatory AXA AXAisisaaFrench Frenchmultinational multinational KPMG KPMGisisinsurance ainsurance anetwork network firm of firm ofprofessional professional that thatengages engages service servicefirms firmsThe and The andEuropean one European oneofof Banking Banking EDF EDF Authority Authority isisthe theworld's (EBA) world's (EBA)islargest islargest aaregulatory regulatory producer producerofofelectricity, electricity, KPMG KPMG and anditit isis isis athe athe network networkofofprofessional professionalservice servicefirms firmsand andone oneofof ininGermany.

Germany.ItItisisthe theworld's world'slargest largestinsurance insurancecompany, company, owned ownedby by the the EdF EdFresponsible responsible ininglobal global for forthe insurance, the insurance, operation, operation, investment investment maintenance maintenance management, management,and and ininGermany. other Germany. other ItItisisthe theworld's world's agency agency largest largest ofofthe theinsurance European insurance Europeancompany, Union company, Unionheadquartered headquartered the the inin inLa inLa global global Defense Defense insurance, insurance,investment investment the theBig BigFour Four management, management, auditors, auditors,Seated Seated and andother in other inAmstelveen, Amstelveen,KPMG KPMG agency agency has hasofofthe theEuropean European largest largest Union Union company company headquartered headquartered owned ownedin by in by La the La the Defense Defense French Frenchstate. state.The The the the company's company's Big BigFour Fourauditors, auditors,Seated SeatedininAmstelveen, Amstelveen,KPMG KPMGhas has largest largestfinancial financialservices servicesgroup groupand andthe thelargest largestfinancialand financialanddevelopment developmentofofthe the financial financial French French services. high-voltage services. high-voltage AXA AXAtransmission istransmission isaaconglomerate conglomerateofofindependently independently largest largestfinancial financialservices services as asagroup agroup result result and and ofofBrexit. the Brexit. thelargest largest Its Itsactivities activities financialfinancialinclude includeconducting conducting financial financial stress stress services. services.AXA AXA three three isisaaconglomerate lines conglomerate linesofofservices: services: ofofindependently financial independently financialaudit, audit,tax, tax,and andadvisory. as advisory. asaaresult result Its Its ofofBrexit.

Brexit.Its Its operations operations activities activitiesinclude includeelectricity conducting electricity conducting generation generation stress stress and anddistribution; distribution; three threelines linesofofservices: services:financial financialaudit, audit,tax, tax,and andadvisory. advisory.Its Its company. company.The Thetower towerininLa LaDefense Defenseisishome hometotoAllianz Allianz system. system.

SpA SpA run runbusinesses, businesses,operated operatedaccording accordingtotothe thelaws lawscompany. and company. and The Thetower towerinin tests tests La LaDefense Defense on onEuropean European isishome home banks banks totoAllianz Allianz totoincrease increase SpA SpA transparency transparency run runin businesses, in businesses, the the operated operated tax taxaccording and according andadvisory advisory totothe services the services laws lawsand are and arefurther furtherdivided dividedinto into tests tests various various on onEuropean Europeanbanks banks power power totoincrease plant increase plantdesign, design, transparency transparency construction construction ininthe the and anddismantling; dismantling; tax tax energy and energy andadvisory advisoryservices servicesare arefurther furtherdivided dividedinto intovarious various and andAGF AGFFrance, France,initialy initialyaaFrench Frenchinsurance insurancecompany companyowned owned regulations regulationsofofmany manydifferent differentcountries countriesininWestern Western and and Europe, Europe, AGF AGFFrance, France,initialy initialy European European aaFrench French financial financial insurance insurance system system company company and andidentifying owned identifying owned weaknesses weaknesses regulations regulations inin ofofmany manydifferent different service servicecountries groups. countries groups. ininWestern WesternEurope, Europe, European Europeanfinancial financialsystem system trading; trading; and and and and identifying identifying transport. transport. weaknesses weaknessesinin service servicegroups. groups. by bythe theFrench Frenchstate, state,but butafter afterits itsprivatization privatizationininNumber 1997 Number 1997ititwas of was ofemployees: employees: North NorthAmerica, 8279 America, 8279 the theAsia AsiaPacific Pacificregion, region,and andthe theMiddle by Middle bythe theFrench East.

French East. state, state,but but banks' banks' after after capital its capital itsprivatization privatization structures. structures. inin1997 1997ititwas was North NorthAmerica, America,the theAsia AsiaPacific Pacificregion, region,and andthe theMiddle MiddleEast.

East. banks' banks'capital capitalstructures. structures. purchased purchasedby byAllianz Allianz purchased purchasedby byAllianz Allianz Revenue: Revenue: €4,126 €4,126million million Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 207,050 207,050 Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 152,030 152,030 Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 207,050 207,050 Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 125,934 125,934 Number Numberofofemployees: employees: Revenue: Revenue: 125,934 125,934 €€28.96 28.96billion billion Revenue: Revenue: €68.976 €68.976billion billion Revenue: Revenue: €€28.96 28.96billion billion Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 142,460 142,460 Revenue: Revenue: €102.900 €102.900billion billion Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 142,460 142,460 Revenue: Revenue: €102.900 €102.900billion billion Revenue: Revenue: €130.557 €130.557billion billion Revenue: Revenue: €130.557 €130.557billion billion

8279 8279 €4,126 €4,126million million

44

55

44

INSURANCE INSURANCE

66

55

16 16

66

CONSULTANCY CONSULTANCY

17 17

16 16

18 18

17 17

EDF EDFisisthe theworld's world'slargest largestproducer producerofofelectricity, electricity,and andititisisthe the largest largestcompany companyowned ownedby bythe theFrench Frenchstate. state.The Thecompany's company's operations operationsinclude includeelectricity electricitygeneration generationand anddistribution; distribution; power powerplant plantdesign, design,construction constructionand anddismantling; dismantling;energy energy trading; trading;and andtransport. transport.

Number Numberofofemployees: employees: Revenue: Revenue:

Office Officebuilding buildingfrom from1981 1981 Floor Floorspace: space:57,500 57,500m² m² Building Buildingheight: height:69 69meters meters

Office Officetower towerfrom from1974 1974 Office Officetower towerfrom from1976 1976 Floor Floorspace: space:70,500 70,500m2 m2 Floor Floorspace: space:80,000 80,000mm22 Building Buildingheight: height:179 179meters meters Building Buildingheight: height:110 110meters meters

Office Officebuilding buildingfrom from1981 1981 Office Officetower towerfrom from1973 1973 Floor Floorspace: space:57,500 57,500m² m² Floor Floorspace: space:34,500 34,500mm22 Building Buildingheight: height:69 69meters meters Building Buildingheight: height:119 119meters meters

Office Officetower towerfrom from1976 1976 Office Officebuilding buildingfrom from2006 2006 Floor Floorspace: space:80,000 80,000mmFloor 2Floor 2 space: space:21,500 21,500mm22 Building Buildingheight: height:110 110meters meters Building Buildingheight: height:72 72meters meters

Office Officetower towerfrom from1973 1973 Office Officetower towerfrom from1974 1974 Floor Floorspace: space:34,500 34,500mm Floor 2Floor 2 space: space:43000 43000m2 m2 Building Buildingheight: height:119 119meters meters Building Buildingheight: height:184 184meters meters

Office Officebuilding buildingfrom from2006 2006 Floor Floorspace: space:21,500 21,500mm22 Building Buildingheight: height:72 72meters meters

Office Officetower towerfrom from1974 1974 Floor Floorspace: space:43000 43000m2 m2 Building Buildingheight: height:184 184meters meters

INSURANCE INSURANCECOMPANY COMPANY

MANIFACTURING MANIFACTURING

INSURANCE INSURANCECOMPANY COMPANY INFORMATION INFORMATIONTECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY

MANIFACTURING MANIFACTURING

INFORMATION INFORMATIONTECHNOLOGY TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANCY CONSULTANCY

SOFTWARE SOFTWARE

CONSULTANCY CONSULTANCY

UTILITY UTILITY

AIG, AIG,isisan anAmerican Americanmultinational multinationalfinance financeand andinsurance insurance corporation corporationwith withoperations operationsininmore morethan than80 80countries, countries,and and their theiroffice officeininLa LaDefence Defenceisisthe thebiggest biggestone oneininEurope Europeas asitit also alsohouses housesAIG AIGFrance.

France.

Saint-Gobain Saint-GobainisisaaFrench Frenchmultinational multinationalcorporation. corporation.

AIG, AIG,isisan anAmerican Americanmultinational multinational Sopra SopraSteria Steriafinance isfinance isaaFrench French and andinformation insurance information insurance technology technologySaint-Gobain consultancy.

Saint-Gobain consultancy.isisaaFrench French Axway Axway multinational multinational Software Softwarecorporation. iscorporation. isaapublicly-held publicly-heldinformation informationtechnology Sopra technology SopraSteria SteriaisisaaFrench French Mazars Mazars information information isisaaglobal global technology technology audit, audit,accounting consultancy. accounting consultancy. and andconsulting consulting Axway Axway group group Software Softwareisisaapublicly-held Orano publicly-held OranoSA SAisisainformation ainformation multinational multinational technology technology nuclear nuclearfuel fuelcycle cyclecompany. company.

Mazars MazarsisThe isThe aaglobal globalaudit, audit,accounting accountingand andconsulting consultinggroup group Originally Originallyaamirror mirrormanufacturer, manufacturer,ititnow nowalso alsoproduces produces corporation corporation aa with withoperations operations The Theprimary primary ininmore more business business than than80 80areas countries, areas countries, ofofthe the and and company companyinclude include Originally Originallyaamirror mirrormanufacturer, manufacturer, company companythat that ititnow now provides provides also alsoproduces software produces softwareatools atoolsfor forenterprise enterprise The Theprimary primarybusiness businessareas with areas withhead head ofofthe the office office company company ininLa LaDefense. include Defense. include Mazars Mazarshas hasaanetwork network company company ofof that thatprovides provides company company software software isis tools engaged tools engaged for forenterprise enterprise ininuranium uraniummining, mining,conversion-enrichconversion-enrichwith withhead headoffice officeininLa LaDefense.

Defense.Mazars Mazarshas hasaanetwork networkofof variety varietyofofconstruction constructionand andhigh-performance high-performancematerials. materials. their theiroffice officeininLa LaDefence Defence consulting consulting isisthe thebiggest biggest services, services, one one systems systems ininEurope Europe integration integration as asitit and andsolutions, solutions, variety varietyofofconstruction construction software, and software, andhigh-performance high-performance Enterprise EnterpriseApplication Application materials. materials.

Integration, Integration,business business consulting consultingservices, services,systems systems correspondent correspondent integration integration partners partners and andsolutions, solutions, and andjoint jointventures venturesininaafurther software, further software, 21 21Enterprise EnterpriseApplication ment, Application ment,spent spent Integration, Integration, fuel fuelrecycling, recycling, business business nuclear nuclearlogistics, logistics,dismantling, dismantling, correspondent correspondentpartners partnersand andjoint jointventures venturesininaafurther further21 21 also alsohouses housesAIG AIGFrance.

France. integration integrationofofERP ERPsolutions, solutions,implementation implementationofofapplication application activity activitymonitoring, monitoring,business businessanalytics, analytics,mobile mobileapplication integration application integrationofofERP ERPsolutions, solutions, countries countries implementation implementation and andisisaafounding founding ofofapplication application member memberofofthe thePraxity Praxity activity activity alliance, alliance, monitoring, monitoring, aa business business and andnuclear nuclear analytics, analytics, cycle cyclemobile engineering mobile engineering application application activities. activities.ItItwas wascreated countries created countries ininand andisisaafounding foundingmember memberofofthe thePraxity Praxityalliance, alliance,aa solutions, solutions,as aswell wellas assubcontracting subcontractingsolutions solutionsfor forproviding providing development developmentand andweb webAPI APImanagement. management. solutions, solutions,as aswell wellas assubcontracting subcontracting network networkofofindependent independent solutions solutionsfor firms. for firms. providing providing Mazars Mazarspublicizes publicizes development development its its and andweb web 2017 API 2017 APImanagement. as management. asaaresult resultofofrestructuring restructuringand andrecapitalizing recapitalizing network network ofofthe the ofofindependent independentfirms. firms.Mazars Mazarspublicizes publicizesits its technical technicalsupport supporttotousers usersand andapplication applicationmaintenance maintenanceand and technical technicalsupport supporttotousers users consolidated consolidated and andapplication application financial financial maintenance maintenance accounts, accounts,aaand move and moveititclaims claimsisisunusual unusual nuclear nuclearconglomerate conglomerateAreva.

Areva.Orano Oranoisismajority majorityowned consolidated owned consolidated by bythe thefinancial financialaccounts, accounts,aamove moveititclaims claimsisisunusual unusual outsourcing outsourcingservices servicesand andoperation operationofofprofessional professional outsourcing outsourcingservices servicesand for and forprivate operation private operation audit audit ofofprofessional and professional andadvisory advisoryfirms. firms.

French French2000 state. state. for forprivate privateaudit auditand andadvisory advisoryfirms. firms.

Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 2000 2000 Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 2000 processes. processes.

Revenue: Revenue: €€301.10 301.10million million processes. processes.

Revenue: Revenue: €€301.10 301.10million million Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 23.000 23.000 Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 16,000 16,000 Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 23.000 23.000 Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 180,000 180,000 Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 49,800 49,800 Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 180,000 180,000 Revenue: Revenue: €41.80 €41.80billion billion Revenue: Revenue: Number Number €€of 44.200 of 44.200 employees: employees: billion billion 44,114 44,114 Revenue: Revenue: €41.80 €41.80billion billion Number Numberofofemployees: employees: Revenue: Revenue: 44,114 44,114 €1.60 €1.60billion billion Revenue: Revenue: Unknown Unknown Revenue: Revenue: €1.60 €1.60billion billion Revenue: Revenue: €€4.09 4.09billion billion Revenue: Revenue: €€4.09 4.09billion billion

49,800 49,800 €€44.200 44.200billion billion

77

88

77

Office Officetower towerfrom from1966 1966 Floor Floorspace: space:34.300 34.300m2 m2 Building Buildingheight: height:109 109meters meters

Office Officetower towerfrom from1985 1985 Floor Floorspace: space:77 77750 750m2 m2 Building Buildingheight: height:117 117meters meters

STOCK STOCKEXCHANGE EXCHANGE

UTILITY UTILITY

Euronext EuronextN.V. N.V.isisaaEuropean Europeanstock stockexchange exchangeoperator operatorwith with its itsregistered registeredoffices officesininAmsterdam, Amsterdam,Brussels, Brussels,London, London, Lisbon, Lisbon,Dublin, Dublin,and andParis.

Paris.InInaddition additiontotocash cashand andderivatives derivatives markets, markets,the theEuronext Euronextgroup groupprovides provideslisting listingmarket marketdata, data, market marketsolutions, solutions,custody custodyand andsettlement settlementservices. services.Its Itstotal total product productoffering offeringincludes includesequities, equities,exchange-traded exchange-tradedfunds, funds, warrants warrantsand andcertificates, certificates,bonds, bonds,derivatives, derivatives,commodities commodities and andindices indicesas aswell wellas asaaforeign foreignexchange exchangetrading tradingplatform. platform.

10 10

99

88

Office Officetower towerfrom from1966 1966 Office Officetower towerfrom from2014 2014 Floor Floorspace: space:34.300 34.300m2 m2 Floor Floorspace: space:67,200 67,200mm22 Building Buildingheight: height:109 109meters meters Building Buildingheight: height:195 195meters meters

SOFTWARE SOFTWARE

19 19 Office Officetower towerfrom from1985 1985 Office Officetower towerfrom from1974 1974 Floor Floorspace: space:77 77750 750m2 m2 Floor Floorspace: space:70,500 70,500m2 m2 Building Buildingheight: height:117 117meters meters Building Buildingheight: height:179 179meters meters

99

20 20 Office Officetower towerfrom from2014 2014 Office Officetower towerfrom from2002 2002 Floor Floorspace: space:67,200 67,200mmFloor 2Floor 2 space: space:53,000 53,000m2 m2 Building Buildingheight: height:195 195meters meters Building Buildingheight: height:155 155meters meters

19 19

UTILITY UTILITY

21 21

11 11

10 10

12 12

11 11

22 22

12 12

Office Officetower towerfrom from1975 1975 Office Officetower towerfrom from2013 2013 Floor Floorspace: space:57,300 57,300mm Floor 2Floor 2 space: space:47100 47100mm22 Building Buildingheight: height:152 152meters meters Building Buildingheight: height:166 166meters meters

Office Officebuilding buildingfrom from1967 1967 Office Officetower towerfrom from1995 1995 Floor Floorspace: space:26,000 26,000mmFloor 2Floor 2 space: space:125,000 125,000m2 m2 Building Buildingheight: height:100 100meters meters Building Buildingheight: height:167 167meters meters

Office Officetower towerfrom from2013 2013 Floor Floorspace: space:47100 47100mm22 Building Buildingheight: height:166 166meters meters

Office Officetower towerfrom from1995 1995 Floor Floorspace: space:125,000 125,000m2 m2 Building Buildingheight: height:167 167meters meters

SOFTWARE SOFTWARE

UTILITY UTILITY

SOFTWARE SOFTWARE

UTILITY UTILITY

INSURANCE INSURANCE

BANKING BANKING

SAS SASInstitute Instituteisisan anAmerican Americanmultinational multinationaldeveloper developerofof analytics analyticssoftware. software.SAS SASdevelops developsand andmarkets marketsaasuite suiteofof analytics analyticssoftware software(also (alsocalled calledSAS), SAS),which whichhelps helpsaccess, access, manage, manage,analyze analyzeand andreport reporton ondata datatotoaid aidinindecision-madecision-making. king.The Thecompany companyisisthe theworld's world'slargest largestprivately privatelyheld held software softwarebusiness businessand andits itssoftware softwareisisused usedby bymost mostofofthe the Fortune Fortune500.

500.

Enedis Enedisisisaasubsidiary subsidiaryofofEDF EDFresponsible responsiblefor forthe theSAS manageSAS manageInstitute Instituteisisan anAmerican American Aviva Avivaplc plc multinational multinational isisaaBritish Britishmultinational developer multinational developerofofinsurance insurancecompany company Enedis Enedisisisaasubsidiary subsidiaryof of EDF EDFresponsible responsible the themanagemanageAviva Avivaplc plc isisaaBritish Britishmultinational multinationalinsurance insurancecompany company Société Société Générale Généraleisfor isfor aaFrench French multinational multinationalinvestment investment bank bank ment mentand anddevelopment developmentofofthe theelectricity electricitydistribution distribution analytics analytics network network software. software.SAS SAS headquartered headquartered develops developsand and inin markets markets London, London, aa United suite United suiteofKingdom. ofKingdom.ItIthas has ment ment about about and and 33 33 development development ofofthe the electricity electricity distribution distribution network network headquartered headquartered London,United UnitedKingdom.

Kingdom.ItIthas hasabout about33 33 and and financial financial services services company. company.

ItItisisthe thethird thirdlargest largest bank bankinin ininLondon, ininFrance.

France.Enedis Enediswas wascreated createdinin2008, 2008,under underthe the analytics analytics name nameofofsoftware software(also (also million million called called customers[3] customers[3] SAS), SAS),which which across helps across helpsaccess, 16 access, 16countries. countries.InInthe theUnited inUnited inFrance.

France.Enedis Enediswas wasFrance created created in intotal 2008, 2008, under underthe the name name ofof ininEurope. million million customers[3] customers[3]across across16 16countries. countries.InInthe theUnited United France by by total assets, assets, sixth sixth largest largest Europe.The The company company ERDF, ERDF,by bythe thedivision divisionofofEDF's EDF'selectricity electricitydistribution distribution manage, manage,analyze analyzeand andKingdom, report Kingdom, reporton ondata Aviva data Aviva toto isis aid the aid the inlargest inlargest decision-madecision-mageneral generalinsurer insurerand and ERDF, ERDF, aaleading leading by bythe thedivision divisionof of electricity electricity distribution Kingdom, Kingdom, thelargest largestgeneral generalinsurer insurerand andaaleading leading is isEDF's aEDF's acomponent component ofofdistribution the theEuro EuroStoxx Stoxx50 50stock stockmarket market index. index.ItAviva ItAviva isis isisthe activities activitieswith withthe thepower powergeneration, generation,transmission transmission king. king. and and The Thecompany companyisisthe life the lifeand world's and world's pensions pensions largest largest provider. provider. privately privatelyheld held activities activitieswith withthe thepower power generation, generation, transmission transmission and and ("Old and andpensions pensionsprovider. provider. known known as asone oneof of the theTrois TroisVieilles Vieilles ("OldThree") Three")life oflife ofFrench French marketing marketingactivities. activities. software softwarebusiness businessand andits itssoftware softwareisisused usedby bymost mostofofthe the marketing marketingactivities. activities. banking, banking,along alongwith withBNP BNPParibas Paribasand andCrédit CréditLyonnais.

Lyonnais.

Fortune Fortune500.

500.

Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 146,000 146,000 Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 14,052 14,052 Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 38,700 38,700 Number Number ofofemployees: employees: 30,021 30,021 Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 38,700 38,700 Numberofofemployees: employees: 30,021 30,021 Revenue: Revenue: €23.954 €23.954billion billion Number Revenue: Revenue: €13,50 €13,50billion billion Revenue: Revenue: Revenue: Revenue: €€2.85 2.85billion billion €€17,79 17,79billion billion Revenue: Revenue: €13,50 €13,50billion billion Revenue: Revenue: €€17,79 17,79billion billion

INSURANCE INSURANCE

Catalogue of the most prominent firms located in La Défense

BANKING BANKING

Orano OranoSA SAisisaamultinational multinationalnuclear nuclearfuel fuelcycle cyclecompany. company.The The company companyisisengaged engagedininuranium uraniummining, mining,conversion-enrichconversion-enrichment, ment,spent spentfuel fuelrecycling, recycling,nuclear nuclearlogistics, logistics,dismantling, dismantling, and andnuclear nuclearcycle cycleengineering engineeringactivities. activities.ItItwas wascreated createdinin 2017 2017as asaaresult resultofofrestructuring restructuringand andrecapitalizing recapitalizingofofthe the nuclear nuclearconglomerate conglomerateAreva.

Areva.Orano Oranoisismajority majorityowned ownedby bythe the French Frenchstate. state.

Number Numberofofemployees: employees: Revenue: Revenue:

Office Officetower towerfrom from1992 1992 Floor Floorspace: space:55,800 55,800mm22 Building Buildingheight: height:90 90meters meters MANIFACTURING MANIFACTURING Intel IntelCorporation Corporationisisan anAmerican Americanmultinational multinationalcorporation corporation and andtechnology technologycompany. company.ItItisisthe theworld's world'ssecond secondlargest largest and andsecond secondhighest highestvalued valuedsemiconductor semiconductorchip chipmanufactumanufacturer rerbased basedon onrevenue revenueafter afterbeing beingovertaken overtakenby bySamsung, Samsung, and andisisthe theinventor inventorofofthe thex86 x86series seriesofofmicroprocessors, microprocessors,the the processors processorsfound foundininmost mostpersonal personalcomputers. computers.

Number Numberofofemployees: employees: Revenue: Revenue:

Société SociétéGénérale GénéraleisisaaFrench Frenchmultinational multinationalinvestment investmentbank bank and andfinancial financialservices servicescompany. company.ItItisisthe thethird thirdlargest largestbank bankinin France Franceby bytotal totalassets, assets,sixth sixthlargest largestininEurope.

Europe.The Thecompany company isisaacomponent componentofofthe theEuro EuroStoxx Stoxx50 50stock stockmarket marketindex. index.ItItisis known knownas asone oneofofthe theTrois TroisVieilles Vieilles("Old ("OldThree") Three")ofofFrench French banking, banking,along alongwith withBNP BNPParibas Paribasand andCrédit CréditLyonnais.

Lyonnais.

Number Numberofofemployees: employees: Revenue: Revenue:

16,000 16,000 Unknown Unknown

21 21

22 22

Office Officebuilding buildingfrom from1967 1967 Floor Floorspace: space:26,000 26,000mm22 Building Buildingheight: height:100 100meters meters

14,052 14,052 €€2.85 2.85billion billion

Office Officetower towerfrom from2002 2002 Floor Floorspace: space:53,000 53,000m2 m2 Building Buildingheight: height:155 155meters meters

STOCK STOCKEXCHANGE EXCHANGE CONSULTANCY CONSULTANCY UTILITY UTILITY CONSULTANCY CONSULTANCY UTILITY UTILITY ENGINEERING ENGINEERING UTILITY UTILITY MANIFACTURING MANIFACTURING ENGINEERING ENGINEERING ENGIE ENGIEisisaaFrench Frenchmultinational multinationalelectric electricutility utilitycompany, company, ENGIE ENGIEisisaaFrench Frenchmultinational multinationalelectric electricutility utilitycompany, company, Total TotalA.S. A.S.isisaapublic publicFrench Frenchmultinational multinationaloil oiland and Euronext Euronext gas gas N.V. N.V.isisaaEuropean European Deloitte Deloitte stock stock isisaamultinational exchange multinational exchangeoperator operator professional professional with with services servicesnetwork.

Total network.

TotalA.S. A.S. ItIt isis isis aapublic publicFrench French multinational multinational oil and andgas gas Deloitte Deloitte isisain ain multinational multinational professional professional network. network.

ItItisis that headquartered headquartered ininLa Laoil Défense, Défense, Courbevoie, Courbevoie,which which operates operates TechnipFMC TechnipFMC plc plcservices isservices isaaUK-based UK-based company company thatprovides provides headquartered headquarteredininLa LaDéfense, Intel Défense, IntelCorporation Corporation Courbevoie, Courbevoie, isisan an which which American American operates operates multinational multinational inin corporation TechnipFMC corporation TechnipFMCplc plcisisaaUK-based UK-basedcompany companythat thatprovides provides company. company.Its Itsbusinesses businessescover coverthe theentire entireoil oiland and its gas its gas registered registered chain, chain, offices officesinone inone Amsterdam, Amsterdam, ofofthe the"Big "Big Brussels, Four" Brussels, Four"accounting accounting London, London,organizations organizationsand company. and company. the the Its Itsbusinesses businesses cover cover the the entire entireoil oil and andgas gaselectricity chain, chain, generation one oneof of the the"Big "BigFour" Four"accounting accounting organizations organizations and and the the (conception, the the fields fields of ofenergy energy transition, transition, electricity generation and and complete completeproject project life lifecycle cycle services services (conception, the feasibility the feasibility fields fieldsofofenergy energytransition, transition, and andtechnology technology electricity electricity company. company. generation generation ItItisisand the and theworld's world'ssecond second complete complete largest largestproject projectlife lifecycle cycleservices services(conception, (conception,feasibility feasibility from fromcrude crudeoil oiland andnatural naturalgas gasexploration explorationand andproduction Lisbon, production Lisbon,Dublin, Dublin, toto and andParis.

Paris. largest largest InInaddition professional addition professional totocash cash services services and andderivatives derivatives network networkininthe theworld world from from by bycrude crudeoil oiland andnatural natural gas gasexploration exploration and andproduction production toto largest largest professional professionalservices services network network inengineering, inengineering, the theworld worldby by distribution, distribution, natural naturalgas, gas, nuclear, nuclear,renewable renewable energy energy and and study, study,front front end end detailed detailedengineering, engineering, distribution, distribution,natural naturalgas, gas, and and nuclear, second nuclear, secondrenewable highest renewable highestvalued valued energy energy semiconductor semiconductor and and chip chipmanufactustudy, manufactustudy,front frontend endengineering, engineering,detailed detailedengineering, engineering, power powergeneration, generation,transportation, transportation,refining, refining,petroleum petroleum markets, markets,the theEuronext Euronext revenue group revenue groupprovides provides and andnumber number listing listing ofof market professionals. market professionals. data, data, Deloitte Deloitteprovides provides power powergeneration, generation,transportation, transportation, refining,petroleum petroleum revenue revenueand andnumber numberof of professionals. professionals.

Deloitte Deloitteprovides provides Petroleum.

Petroleum.refining, procurement, procurement, construction, construction, commissioning, commissioning,test testPetroleum. runs, Petroleum. runs, rer rerbased basedon onrevenue revenueafter afterbeing beingovertaken overtakenby bySamsung, procurement, Samsung, procurement,construction, construction,commissioning, commissioning,test testruns, runs, product productmarketing, marketing,and andinternational internationalcrude crudeoil oiland and market market product product solutions, solutions,custody custody audit, audit, and and tax, tax, settlement settlement consulting, consulting, services. services. enterprise enterprise Its Itstotal risk total riskand andfinancial financial product product advisory advisory marketing, marketing,and andinternational internationalcrude crudeoil oiland andproduct product audit, audit,tax, tax,consulting, consulting,maintenance enterprise enterpriserisk risk and financial financialadvisory advisory maintenance &&and decommissioning) decommissioning) for forthe theenergy energyindustry. industry. and andisisthe theinventor inventorofofthe thex86 x86series seriesofofmicroprocessors, microprocessors, maintenance maintenance the the &&decommissioning) decommissioning)for forthe theenergy energyindustry. industry. trading. trading. product productoffering offeringincludes includes services services equities, equities,exchange-traded exchange-tradedfunds, funds, trading. trading. services services processors processorsfound foundininmost mostpersonal personalcomputers. computers. warrants warrantsand andcertificates, certificates,bonds, bonds,derivatives, derivatives,commodities commodities Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 160,000 160,000 Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 37,000 37,000 Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 160,000 160,000 Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 37,000 37,000 Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 104,000 104,000 and andindices indicesas aswell wellas as Number aNumber aforeign foreign ofof exchange exchange employees: employees: trading tradingplatform.

286,200 platform.

286,200 Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 104,000 104,000 Number Numberofofemployees: employees: 286,200 286,200 Revenue: Revenue: €€13.30 13.30billion billion Number Number of employees: employees: 107,100 107,100 Revenue: Revenue: €€13.30 13.30billion billion Revenue: Revenue: €€60.6 60.6billion billion Revenue: Revenue: €€of 60.6 60.6 billion billion Revenue: Revenue: €€186.35 186.35billion billion Revenue: Revenue: €€38,52 38,52billion billion Revenue: Revenue: €€186.35 186.35billion billion Revenue: Revenue: €€38,52 38,52billion billion Revenue: Revenue: €€70.80 70.80billion billion

Office Officetower towerfrom from1975 1975 Floor Floorspace: space:57,300 57,300mm22 Building Buildingheight: height:152 152meters meters

Number Numberofofemployees: employees: Revenue: Revenue:

20 20

Office Officetower towerfrom from1974 1974 Office Officetower towerfrom from1992 1992 Floor Floorspace: space:70,500 70,500m2 m2 Floor Floorspace: space:55,800 55,800mm22 Building Buildingheight: height:179 179meters meters Building Buildingheight: height:90 90meters meters

152,030 152,030 €68.976 €68.976billion billion

18 18

Office Officetower towerfrom from1974 1974 Floor Floorspace: space:70,500 70,500m2 m2 Building Buildingheight: height:179 179meters meters

Number Numberofofemployees: employees: Revenue: Revenue:

La Défense . Towards an inclusive CBD

33

Office Officetower towerfrom from2015 2015 Floor Floorspace: space:81,615 81,615m2 m2 Building Buildingheight: height:209 209meters meters

Number Numberofofemployees: employees: Revenue: Revenue:

416

11

Office Officetower towerfrom from1966 1966 Floor Floorspace: space:34.300 34.300m2 m2 Building Buildingheight: height:109 109meters meters

146,000 146,000 €23.954 €23.954billion billion

Catalogue of the most prominent firms located in La Défense

107,100 107,100 €€70.80 70.80billion billion

La Défense . Towards an inclusive CBD

11

417

Mapping Business Stuctures

Programme Approach

e interventions for public space be located inside the area showed p as well as create a spatial conneween the 5 different building sites. ams should be located so they with existing activities and functiibuting to a better coexisting of t of the interventions can include ings and structures that lead to a e of the public spaces in between ngs.

Design Proposal

1

Incubator hub that should helps new and startup companies to develop and grow by providing services and management. This hub will be realized in a collaboration between interested companies located in La Defense and The French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.

2

Food Production and Distribution center that will serve as a playground for relevant local businesses to try out new production methods. Furthermore this part of the complex will function as a cantina, providing workers and visitors with fresh, local food while investigating innovative ways of producing, cook and serve food.

3

Energy Lab. EDF is the world's largest producer of electricity, and it is the largest company owned by the French state. This part should function as a playground for EDF to collaborate with relevant companies to find sustainable ways of producing and distribute energy. Part of the complex should also house a laboratory and research facilities.

al that the spatial interventions also he difference between the ‘city-lehe ‘dalleŧ, making the complex and e as a whole more accessible from unding area.

418

Research & Development facility, serving as a link between Paris Nanterre University, EDC Paris and the involved companies. The facilities should include public accessible study rooms for students, visitors and workers.

Stakeholders

Private Firms

Education

Government

Developper

Site The aditional volume create a spatial boundary on the platform and serve as a tool to break with the big open square out of human scale.

La Défense . Towards an inclusive CBD

La Défense . Towards an inclusive CBD

5

Pitch Area that will serve as the most public accessible part of the complex, as a flexible event space for pitches, conferences and lectures, and a platform for exchange between the different stakeholders.

419

4

Design Proposal

Design Proposal

Orthographic Drawing

Orthographic Drawing First Floor Plan

Ground Floor Plan Tactile Working Space

University facilities

Meeting units

Defacto café

Meeting units

Food incubator Kitchen

Food production

Pitch stage/auditorium

Study

Study EDF offices

Board room EDF

Reception Study

La Défense . Towards an inclusive CBD

La Défense . Towards an inclusive CBD

SME offices

Lecture room Ministery offices

EDF offices

EDF offices

421

420

Silence Sphere

Elevation

Illustration

Proposal The building manifest itself as a hybrid between the landmark (Grand Arche) and the generic La Defense office typology.

The tactile office landscape below the building structure functions as a space for exchange

La DĂŠfense . Towards an inclusive CBD

Design Proposal

423

La DĂŠfense . Towards an inclusive CBD

422

Design Proposal

Components

Components

Tactile Landscape The tactile landscape connects the worker with the spatial surroundings. It is part of the public space as well as the office building

Locker Towers The locker towers are the main entrance to the building. Constructed as a concrete core they contain all the data and personal belongings of researchers and professionals.

Auditorium The auditoriums bind together the different programs within the building as well as the surrounding area

Silence Sphere The Silence Sphere will be a place for meditation and digital detox. They are strategially placed around the building so the user can access them easily.

La DĂŠfense . Towards an inclusive CBD

Design Proposal

425

La DĂŠfense . Towards an inclusive CBD

424

Design Proposal

Design Proposal

Building Technology

Axonometric Projection

Structural Axonometric

La DĂŠfense . Towards an inclusive CBD

La DĂŠfense . Towards an inclusive CBD

426

427

Building Construction Column Grid (500mm thickness) and Reinforced Concrete Slabs (550mm thickness)

Building Technology

Building Technology

Construction Detail

Construction Detail Building Envelope in the Locker Towers Prefabricated Concrete Element Air Cavity, 20mm Water Proofing Membrane Glasswool Insulation, 170mm Prefabricated Concrete Element

Concrete 20mm air cavity water proof membrane 170mm glasswoll insulation Concrete

Green Roof Detail

Soil Filter Fabric Filter Fabric Resevoir layer Reservoir Layer Air and water barr Air and Water Barrier Insulation Insulation Protection course Protection Course Concrete structur Top Soil Layer

La DĂŠfense . Towards an inclusive CBD

La DĂŠfense . Towards an inclusive CBD

428

429

Concrete Slab, 550mm

La Défense . Towards an inclusive CBD

La Défense . Towards an inclusive CBD

430

431

la dĂŠfense

433

432

le couloir

Introduction

Following a historical study of La Défense exploring the built and unbuilt projects throughout the district’s development, the design takes the most recent of these projects, the 2012 AWP Strategic Masterplan, as a springboard for further speculative development. Regarding programme, the AWP Masterplan, when viewed in relation to the many previous projects in the development of La Défense, can be seen as the first to promote non-work related activities such as leisure, culture and nightlife.

The promotion of non-work related activity is therefore essential in order to break down the monofunctionality of this district.

Regarding morphology, thve AWP Masterplan presents four primary strategies: ‘Re-Grand Axe’, ‘Redefine the Ground’ ‘Reinhabit the Domain’ and ‘Nature Invasion’. Of these strategies ‘Re-Grand Axe’ was subsequently identified as providing an area of focus, namely the esplanade as the site of the Grand Axe within La Défense. Through analytically mapping the esplanade’s morphology and programmes two issues became clear: 1. The disruption of the pedestrian route by invasive elements such as water features and openings in the slab 2. The concealment of programmes within the esplanade hidden underground

This morphological intervention would not only reestablish the axis and pedestrian route through its linear qualities but also provide greater coherence in accessing the programmes within and under the esplanade along one route.

Michael Tsang

La Défense . Le Couloir

This proposal would involve ‘carving a public space’ into the esplanade in the form of an open air corridor which would serve as a ‘new ground level’ within La Défense - one for leisure, culture and further non-work related activities - whilst the existing level above would remain as the ‘functioning work level’.

435

434

La Défense . Le Couloir

Thus the approach seeks to address these issues by reestablishing a pedestrian route along and revealing the programmes within the esplanade, leading to the proposed intervention: ‘Le Couloir’ or ‘Corridor’.

Design Development

Design Development

Design Concept

Design Concept

Carving a Public Space into the Esplanade The core design concept of the proposal revolves around ‘carving a public space’ into the esplanade. In this way each of the conclusions drawn in the historical analysis may be addressed.

1. A new distinct level for non-work related activity

leis

ure

wo

rk

(da

wo

y/n

rk

igh

t),

cu

ltu

re

2. Re-establish a clear pedestrian route

3. Sloping to unify the new ground level as a single surface

La Défense . Le Couloir

5. Greenery invading both levels as connetive shared space

437

436

La Défense . Le Couloir

4. Coherent access to programmes under slab

Design Development

Design Development

Implementing the Design Concept

Implementing the Design Concept 1. ‘Push’ through Baya Axes to form entrance to corridor

2.

‘Green Pockets’ demarcating stairs/lifts between levels

3. A new pedestrianised Rond-Point

La Défense . Le Couloir

5. Uncovering the CNIT to reveal the original ground level

439

438

La Défense . Le Couloir

4. Occupying the existing spaces such as the car park

Design Development

Design Development

Masterplan & Section

Masterplan & Architectural Expression A common language for a unified facade The role of architecture within this intervention would be most associated with the designs of the many new facades that would emerge as a result of ‘carving out’ this corridor.

The potential here, therefore, is to architecturally unify the corridor through the design of these facades which may share a common language without replicating one another.

440

GSPublisherVersion 0.0.100.100

Plan - Upper Level Section 1: 5000

Plan - Lower Level 1 : 5000

La Défense . Le Couloir

GSPublisherVersion 0.0.100.100

441

La Défense . Le Couloir

GSPublisherVersion 0.0.100.100

Design Development

Design Development

Masterplan & Section

Facade Catalogue A Common Language for a Unified Facade The following facade catalogue serves as an example of how these facades may share a common language - in this case the sharing of a signature element, the shading device, arranged in varying compositions.

1

Metro + Market Hall

2

Sports

3

Facade 01 Metro and Market

Gastronomy

4

Art

5

Bars + Clubs Facade 02 Sports Centre GSPublisherVersion 0.0.100.100

0

50

La DĂŠfense . Le Couloir

La DĂŠfense . Le Couloir

100

200

300m

443

442

GSPublisherVersion 0.0.100.100

Design Development

Building Technology

Facade Catalogue

Position Utilising Existing Underground Structures

Facade 03 Table Square

In terms of building technology, given the excess of already existing infrastructure within La Défense the position taken would seek to maximise the use of the existing underground structures that would be revealed in the event of ‘carving out’ this corridor.

‘Peel’: Away the slab (Station)

Facade 04 Art Gallery

GSPublisherVersion 0.0.100.100

‘Connect’: Existing openings (Place de la Statue)

Facade 05 Bars & Clubs

GSPublisherVersion 0.0.100.100

La Défense . Le Couloir

(Car Park) *This concept chosen to expand further in BT due to most available information.

La Défense . Le Couloir

‘Cut’: Through multiple storeys

445

444

GSPublisherVersion 0.0.100.100

Building Technology

Building Technology

Structural Intervention

Facade Assembly - Suspending the Truss

Windows Sheathing Board Timber Slat Shading Device

Insulation Timber Cladding

Timber Battens

Steel Stud Wall

Reinforced Concrete Columns Truss

Existing columns retained and reinforced

Trusses for lateral reinforcement

Existing Car Park Structure Proposel Structural Intervention

447

446

La Défense . Le Couloir

Compression rod structure fixed into slab above • transfer load of removed columns to reinforced columns

La Défense . Le Couloir

SHS Colmn Suspended from Truss

Building Technology

Building Technology

Climate Concept

Facade Fragment

Shading

La DĂŠfense . Le Couloir

La DĂŠfense . Le Couloir

Timber Slat Shading Devices variations as common language between different facades means that shading climate concept is integrated into achitectual expression.

GSPublisherVersion 0.0.100.100

449

448

GSPublisherVersion 0.0.100.100

1

2

3

7

Building Technology

Building Technology

Construction Detail

Construction Detail

8

9

12

6

11

5 4

10

4 10

9

12

Timber Slat Shading Timber Cladding, 20mm Timber Fixing Batten, 50x75mm Insect Mesh Metal Flashing Breather Membrane Insulation 100mm Sheathing Board, 20mm Steel Studs, 100x50mm Timber Batte, 50x220mm Aluminium Window Frame Concrete Column, Rear

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

Facade Window Frame - Head 1:5

2

3

Timber Slat Shading Timber Cladding, 20mm Timber Fixing Batten, 50x75mm Insect Mesh Aluminium Window Sill Breather Membrane Insulation, 100mm Sheathing Board, 20mm Steel Studs, 100x50mm Timber Batten, 50x220mm Aluminium Window Frame Concrete Column, Rear

GSPublisherVersion 0.0.100.100

Facade Window Frame - Sill 1:5

La DĂŠfense . Le Couloir

La DĂŠfense . Le Couloir

450

8

11

1

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

7

451

5

6

La Défense . Le Couloir

La Défense . Le Couloir

452

453

la dĂŠfense

455

454

underground office

Introduction

My proposal is to transform unused underground spaces with different elements to make a new additional space for an office.

It is the Extension of the Office tower.

These spaces can be either for one specific office or for multiple offices to use and collaborate. The space should provide the opportunity to come together, work together, collaborate. It is a new environment from the usual office.

The different elements to bring in and accomplish this: different working spaces, relaxing spaces (lunch, rest) and also furniture, material and greenery.

The underground space is dedicated to new forms of work, exchange between people and activities, that blur the line between professional and personal life.

La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

Loes Bekkers

457

456

La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

The tower has the traditional offices, the more private and secludes workspaces.

The underground will have the more public, mixtrure of program and people.

Design

Design

Space Development

Schematic Drawing

1. 4 floors

2. Removing 2 floors

Floor Plan Level 0 Scale 1: 1 000

La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

4. Adding smaller circles to get daylight in

459

458

La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

3. Adding big open hallway in centerto get more daylight

Schematic Drawings

Schematic Drawings

Toilets

Toilets

Technical room

Technical room

Canteen

Officees/ meeting space

Kitchen

Open/ informal work space

Offices/ meeting space

Small office/ isolated space

Open/ informal work space

GYM

Large Office/ meeting space

Auditorium Backstage

Floor Plan Level -1 Scale 1 : 1000

Floor Plan Level -2 Scale 1 : 1000

La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

Design

461

La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

460

Design

Design

Design

Schematic Drawings

Schematic Drawings B-B‘

Esplanade Level Plan Section A-A’ 1 : 1000

La Défense . Underground Office

Section A-A’ Section B-B’ 1 : 1000

463

462

La Défense . Underground Office

A-A‘

Design

Design

Catalogue of Office Spaces

Catalogue of Office Spaces

Meeting space

Lecture

La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

464

465

Office

Design

Design Elements

Design Elements Greenery

Daylight

The cut-outs of the roof, to get more daylight in, are based on the column grid.

To get enough daylight into the building pieces of the roof are cut out to make a skylight. These skylights can either be a literal skylight or a courtyard with a little garden in the middle.

12600

6300

6300

6300

12600

6300

To make the office a more healthy place green is added at some locations. The concrete column-beam connections have hanging plants. There is also a green wall in two offices with a skylight on top.

And lastly the green courtyard.

La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

Dimensions

467

La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

466

Design

Design Elements

Light

Connecting Spaces

Lunch Space

The existing car park ramp for cars is turned into sleeping pods.

To have enough light in the offices and not have to many direct artifical lights, the offices have installed lights in their wall that give indirect light on the backwall. This way it is not as much as a bunker.

The building has a lot of little spaces where people can come together and collaborate, exchange information or have a break. The normal offices can be used for this as well.

However, there are a lot of open little spaces throughout the building.

The collaborating spaces can be used for lunch as well. However, there is also a big lunch space in the building to give people a break from their day and change of scenery from their office.

La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

Design Elements

469

La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

468

Design

Relaxing Spaces/Sleeping Pods

4500

4500

Design

La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

Isometric Projection Illustration

Booulevard La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

Design

471

470

Design

Illustration

Illustration

Office with Green Wall

Timber Wall in front of Gymnasium

La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

Design

473

La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

472

Design

Building Technology

Design Illustration

Photo « Bassins » (14)

Supporting Structure

Current Situation Double “Tee” Floor System

La Défense . Underground Office

Circular Skylight in Atrium

475

474

La Défense . Underground Office

18

Building Technology

Building Technology

New Situation

Construction Detail Cut-Out

The inbetween floors get removed by removing the Double Tee elements. The Primary beams and columns stay with their concrete look.

-

L - profile bend into a round shape to cover the cutting etches of the circle cut out of the floor

-

secondary beam of Double tee floor

-

Primary beam concrete 700mm

50 secondary beam of Double tee floor

-

Primary beam concrete 700mm

31

89

31

89 200

La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

700 38 100

38

314

Slab Reinforcement 1 : 10

477

476

La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

550 700

600

866

-

177

100

100

166

60

60

6

Floor construction floor finishing PU cast floor 6mm anhydrite floor 60mm incl. concrete core activation 25mm existing Double tee concrete floor 100-150mm installations: air duct, light, electricity baffle ceiiling (timber) 100mm incl. hanging elements

6

Floor construction floor finishing PU cast floor 6mm anhydrite floor 60mm incl. concrete core activation 25mm existing Double tee concrete floor 100-150mm installations: air duct, light, electricity baffle ceiiling (timber) 100mm incl. hanging elements

Building Technology

Orthographic Drawings

Facade Elevation and Sectional Construction Detail

Air supply & exhaust

100

Floor Plan Level -1 Floor Plan Level -2

900

30

900 2960

30

900

100

200

2950

200

La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

2234

2860 166

Technical room

479

478

La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

700

6034

2030

2400

1144

700

166

166 100

900

30

900

30

900

5141

100

900

30

900

100

100 193

1144

551

49100

Building Technology

Building Technology

Building Technology

Construction Detail

Climate Concept

6 60

100

100

166

Baffle Ceiling - Timber -

L - profile bend into a round shape to cover the cutting etches of the circle cut out of the floor

-

secondary beam of Double tee floor

50 secondary beam of Double tee floor

-

Ventilation pipe 500x300

The existing floor is a concrete floor ranging from 100mm to 150mm height.

This floor is made of multiple Doule Tee elements. Because of the thiness of the floor it is possible to turn it into an concrete core activation heating system. To achieve this heating pipes will be added in an anhydrite floor. There are some factors you need to keep in mind when installing a concrete core activation system: The acoustics of this floor are not very good and there is no possibility to instal a false ceiling.

With a concrete core activation there is no possiblity to install a false ceiling.

But to finish the ceiling off and not see all the technical installation hanging, a baffle ceiling of timber elements is installed.

700

550 700

Mechanical Ventilation & Heat Recovery The building has a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery. Firstly, because the building is underground it is difficult to ventilate naturally.

Secondly, it being an office, mechanical ventilation is better controllable for a large amount of people.

The air intake and exhaust is from the roof/ esplanade. The building has one facade. However, this facade is also the main entrance and shafts would be in the way and would not look good. To still have a nice looking system above ground the supply air and exhaust air come through designed elements. These are designed to put on the esplanade without it being in the way.

100

314

La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

Primary beam concrete 700mm

38

Primary beam concrete 700mm

89

31

89 200

481

31

La DĂŠfense . Underground Office

Because of the bad acoustics with a concrete core activation an acoustic floor is installed. This is a PU cast floor by the firm DHT of 6mm. The floor still lets the heat trough and has acoustic properties.

-

480

Accoustic Floor

38

-

600

866

-

Concrete Core Activation

177

6

Floor construction floor finishing PU cast floor 6mm anhydrite floor 60mm incl. concrete core activation 25mm existing Double tee concrete floor 100-150mm installations: air duct, light, electricity baffle ceiiling (timber) 100mm incl. hanging elements

60

Floor construction floor finishing PU cast floor 6mm anhydrite floor 60mm incl. concrete core activation 25mm existing Double tee concrete floor 100-150mm installations: air duct, light, electricity baffle ceiiling (timber) 100mm incl. hanging elements

La Défense . Underground Office

La Défense . Underground Office

482

483

la dĂŠfense

485

484

axis

Research Insight Narrative “The establishment, whose priority is to transform the business district into a living area”

(MORPHOLOGY) To utilize

UNDERGROUND SPACE

Paris La Defense (MORPHOLOGY) along the

AXIS

(PROGRAMME)

486

La Défense . Axis

of

George Lau

IMAGE

(DEMOGRAPHY/ HISTORY)

LA DEFENSE

La Défense . Axis

that build up

USABLE ATTRACTIONS

487

to create

To react ive t he cent ral axis p ub lic sp ace b y o ffering suit ab le p ro gr a m s f o r a l l g ro u p s o f u s e r s .

F r a me wo r k : i ma g e b u i l d i n g ‘Im ag e’ “The establishment, whose priority is to transform the business district i n t o Design a l i v i n g a re Approach a”

Research Insight

Research Insight Narrative

Position : re a c tiva te th e sla b

The research of La Defense was divided into History, Demography, Morphology and Program. Each topic suggests the characteristics and problems of the site.

Therefore by extracting the issues, keywords are listed out and reshuffled to form a narrative, which becomes the theme of my project.

buildup Student

Neighbour

Space

Worker

activation Tourist

Network

Functions

P ro m o t i o n al i m ag es f ro m P ar i s La Def ense

P ub lic sp aces alo ng t he axis b are t he q ualit y t o d emo nst rat e t h e l i v e l i n e s s o f L a D e f e n s e .

To reacti ve th e cen tral ax i s pu bl i c s pace by offeri n g s u i tabl e programs for all groups of user s.

Position: Reactivate the Slab

To reactivate the public space’s axis by offering suitable programmes for all groups of users

S t r a t e g y : ‘b o t t o m-u p ’ a c t i v a t i o n F r a me w or k: ima ge bu ildin g ‘Im a g e ’

buildup

T he use o f exist ing und er- slab sp ace t o“Bottom-Up” react iviatActivation e t he und erp er f o r m e d p u b l i c s p a c e a b o v e .

Strategy: The use of existing under-slab soace to reactivate the underperforming public space above

La Défense . Axis

La Défense . Axis

“The establishment, whose priority is to transform the business district into a living area”

activation Network

Functions

489

488

Space

Promotional images from P a ris La Def e ns e

Worker

Tourist

To rea c t iv e t he cen tral ax is pu blic s pace b y o ff ering suitab le p ro grams f o r all g ro up s o f user s.

Design Approach

Underground Space

Framework: Image Building

Underground Spatial Characteristics

Framework: image building ‘ I mag e’ “Th e establishment , wh ose priorit y is t o tran sform t he bu sin ess dist rict in to a living area”

There are huges volumes under the Esplanade which are some in use while most of the others are residual space. These spaces have their unique forms and spatial characteristics, suggesting possibiblity for various programs. On the other hand, the presence of these volumes immediately below the slab offers opportunities to activate the ground above through utilizing these large volumes.

buildup F irst la y e r o f ex ist in g spa c e be low E spla na de i n re la ti on t o t h e a bov e groun d

Space

activation Pro mo t i o nal i mag es fro m Pari s La D efen s e

La Défense . Axis

Strategy: ‘bottom-up’ activation Existing Undergound Condition First Layer of Space below 1 : 3000

Connection to Esplanade on slab

490

Rond point de La Defense +55.79m

+56.63m

Machinerie Agam

+56.02m

+53.71m

Table Square Niveau

+51.22m

FNAC -1

FNAC -2

+50.03m

+44.23m

Com Square

Pu blic spa c e s alon g thPublic e ax is bare th axis e qbare uality to dtoemo nstrate the liveliness spaces along the the quality demonstrate the liveliness of La Défense o f La Def ense.

La Défense . Axis

Functions

491

Network

Underground Space

Underground Space

Programme Implication of Spatial Pattern

Catalogue of Underground Spaces Cathédrale Haut Ca t h e dra le Ha u t

Stripe E.g. Rows of Bookshelves Machinerie Agam M a c h in e rie Aga m

Cathédrale Bas Ca t h e dra le B a s

Table Square Niveau Grid E.g. Partition of Rooms

Ta ble Squ a re Niv e a u

Mezzanine Atelier Moretti M e z z a n in e At e lie r M ore t t i

FNAC -1 F NAC - 1

Patch E.g. Zones in Free Space F NAC - 2

FNAC -2

FNAC -3

Spatial patterns suggest usage of space in various ways. From then a prgoramme can be mplemented

La Défense . Axis

Com Square Com Squ a re

493

492

La Défense . Axis

F NAC - 3

Underground Space

Programme

Juxtaposition of Plan and Section

Pattern of Public Spaces Patter n s o f p u b lic sp ace an d th eir p resence I t i s f ound t hat t here are mai nl y f our t ypes of user s of publ i c space i n La Def ense, namel y wor ker s, st udent s, nei ghbour s and t our i st s. They each has t hei r own uni que usage pat t er n whi l e some share t he use of t he same progr ams, f or exampl e bot h wor ker s and vi si t or s vi si t rest aur ant s at t he pl ace.

Student

Worker

Neighbour

Tourist

Thi s shows t he di sconnect i on bet ween act i vi t i es t hat peopl e do and f unct i ons t hat publ i c space al ong t he axi s off er s.

Shop p ing m all Entrances as activation spots

Outdoor area at entrances of the shopping mall is activated by flow of people.

Seats are offered in those areas.

Public space activated by flow of people to/from shopping mall

Missed opportunity to be activated

Plan of ‘Les 4 Temps’ shopping mall

R es taur ant

$

Presence of outdoor dining

Restaurants in La Defense are not so affordable, therefore small spectrum of people are served.

Sectional typologies of restaurants in La Defense

I nfor m al s p ace

Covered space

By juxtaposing the plan and section of each space underground, spatial patterns are generated. The process of creating these pattern are first divide the space according the column grid on plan, which is then further subdivded when there is a change in room height

Walkway

Using covered corridor space to dance is accompanied by mirrored glass.

Covered space

Dancing

Walkway

La Défense . Axis

Materiality defines use of space:

Football

495

494

La Défense . Axis

Flexible division of corridor into walkway and covered space for spontaneous activities

Axis

Programme

‘ P resen ce’ of axi s

Presence of Axis

Pattern P ofroPublic g ram sSpaces

ng plsace, the presence of activi ‘ P resen ce’ ofl i viaxi

To promote a cul tural i mage of La Defense as a ti es becomes the i mage bui l der. Combi ni ng wi th areaa therefore serves tool to achias evea Tocentral promote cul tural i mage of aLa Defense ti es becomes the i mage bui l der. Combi ni ng wi th central area therefore serves a tool to achi evea To promote a cul tural i mage of La Defense as

addressi ng the presence of axis, the

the goal of promoti ng La Defense. l i viaxi ng plsace, the presence of activi ‘ P resen To promote a cultural image ofce’ La of Défense a living te addressi ng theas presence of axis, place, the

Ba se on th e re se a rc h , p rogr a ms a re p rop ose d to e n ga ge a ll u se r s a s b e in g c ommon a c tivitie s a mon g th e m. Be sid e s, in for ma l fu n c tion is ke p t a n d w ill b e b rou gh t to th e site .

goal of promoti ng La Defense. l i viimage ng pl ace, the presence of Combining activi presence of activities becomes thethe builder. i mage bui l der. Combi ni ng wi th addressi ng the presence of axis, the central area therefore serves a tool to achi eve the goal ofof promoti ngaxis, La Defense. this factor the presence the the central Corridors on two sideswith continueaddressing to serve as major pathways, while along the axis will have programs anchored Defined by mov ement area hereby serves as a tool to achieve the goal of promoting La Corridors on two sides continue to serve as major pathways, while along the axis will have programs anchored Défense.

Defined by mov ement ti esmov becomes the Defined by ement

Neighbour Student

Exisitin g c on ve n tion c e n te r is su gge ste d to re ta in for its in c ome ge n e r a tion va lu e . Pu b llic e n ga ge me n t for it w ill b e ma d e p ossib le b y u sin g its roof a s a ska te p a r k to a ttr a c t p la ye r s a n d ob se r ve r s.

Neighbour

Student

Corridors on two sides continue to serve as major pathways, while along the axis will have programs anchored Worker

Worker

Tourist

Defined by Movement

Tourist

Corridors on both sides of the Esplanade continue to serve as major paths. Here, the project will have programme achored along the axis.

S ho ppi ng ma l l

R e s ta ura nt

Shops that target every group of people

More affordable restaurants yet well accepted by all

Defined by s hape In contrast to rectangular shape of blocks around, volumes along the axis are in circular

Defined by s hape

Bookstore

Express supermarket

Foodcourt

In contrast to rectangular shape of blocks around, volumes along the axis are in circular

Food chain

Defined by s hape

In contrast to rectangular shape of blocks around, volumes along the axis are in circular

Art Collection

C o nve ntio n c e nte r

Opening up art pieces warehouse

Activate its roof while keeping office spaces below

Defined by Shape In contrast to the traditionally rectangular shape of blocks in the area, volumes along te axis are circular.

Skate park

Exposed warehouse of art pieces

Convention center

Defined by concentration of people Various gathering/ sitting typologies to gatther people along the axis

Defined by concentration of people

Art museum

Various gathering/ sitting typologies to gatther people along the axis

I nf o r mal s pa c e La Défense . Axis

Covered corridor of significant width Spontaneous program engagement Dancing

Food Truck

Busking

Seating

Mirror glass

Electric socket

Acoustic panel

Seating

Worker Neighbour Tourist Student

Element

Defined by the Concentration of People Various gathering typologies to assemble people along the axis.

La Défense . Axis

Defined by concentration of people

Various gathering/ sitting typologies to gatther people along the axis

497

496

Walkway

Axis Orthographic Drawings

Ground Floor Plan 1 : 2000

La Défense . Axis

La Défense . Axis

N

499

498

Overall Long Section 1 : 2000

Programme Occupation

Programme Occupation

Supermarket

Bookstore

To Art Museum

La Défense . Axis

La Défense . Axis

500

501

To Art Museum

Programme Occupation

Programme Occupation

Art Museum

Food Chain

More significant art piece

Larger painting Less compact

Void to food court

La Défense . Axis

La Défense . Axis

502

503

To bookstore

La Défense . Axis

Presence on Ground

505

Art Museum

La Défense . Axis

Programme Occupation

504

Programme Occupation

La Défense . Axis

Illustrations

507

Illustrations

La Défense . Axis

Programme Occupation

506

Programme Occupation

Larger Context The presence of the “circles” fill ups the gaps between the more popular areas around the metro at two sides.

Public space for community Public space for commerce Access on ground Access above ground

La Défense . Axis

509

508

La Défense . Axis

Metro exit

N

Venturi Effect

Building Technology

Building Technology

Principal Considerations

Climatic Systems

Heat Absorption

New Structure

The undulating landscape compresses air and creates Venturi effect. This increase airflow to heat exchanger and enhance its efficiency. Heat echangers are located at spots where Venturi effect takes place.

Besides, green roof and double roof helps reducing heat gain for indoor climate.

Exisitng

Position and Vision

Technical Issue

Due the large volume underground, natural ventilation is impossible.

Therefore my position is to enhance the efficiency of mechanical ventilation through inncreasing natural air flow and reduce heat absorption

The existing structure is column and beam concrete framework. New steel structure is bolted on existing beams and columns to achieve a curved landscape above.

Grass Steel Beam Slab

6-17m

Loadbearing and Construction Existing Structure

Demolision and Addition of Beams

La DĂŠfense . Axis

La DĂŠfense . Axis

4-15m

Building Skin As my project has no facade, the building skin is interpreted as the walkable roof merging with the ground above.

511

510

Heat Exchanger

Building Technology

Building Technology

Construction Details

Construction Details

11

10

14

15

30

13 16

5

17

196

300

4 12 9

3

45

2 6 19

1

18

50

200

20

7

Curved structural steel beam Shotcrete roof deck Waterproof membrane Gravel Soil I-beam Steel plate Existing concrete column Inspection chamber 24mm laminated safety glass,18mm Planted Esplanade 1 : 20

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

cavity, 8mm float glass,18mm cavity, 16mm toughened safety glass Stainless-steel covering Insulation board Painted steel plate Lightweight concrete Steel rebar Stainless steel bar Steel channel beam I-beam Curved Grass Roof Joint 1 : 20

19 20 21

Aluminium cladding Steel plate with bolts Concrete slab

21

Grass Roof Glazed Section 1 : 20

Open-air Canopy Support Joint 1 : 10

La DĂŠfense . Axis

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

513

512

La DĂŠfense . Axis

8

La Défense . Axis

La Défense . Axis

514

515

la dĂŠfense paris, france project book complex projects msc1 landmarks studio AR1CP010 spring 2019 tu delft

517

516

CP