studio malka completes three-part design of the pernod ricard BIG offices in central paris

studio malka architecture has completed the new offices of pernod ricard, manufacturer and distributor of premium wines and spirits, in two connected industrial buildings in the center of paris. the project incorporates three main facilities: the pernod ricard BIG (breakthrough innovative group) workplace; its reception, informal meetings and conviviality areas; and BIG white, a space devoted to multiple kind of events that highlight projects of the team, as well as punctual artists.

all images by laurent clement

the three facilities in the studio malka-designed pernod ricard offices feature different interior elements and aesthetics, responding to the varying uses of each space. the workspace of BIG, the task force focused on researching innovative concepts, new products, and the consumer’s perception of a product category, brand, or even of an industry, are located in the main building, which consists of three levels converging around a central patio. the allocation of the levels was conceived according to distinct and complementary areas: the think tank, nestled in the attic, which is a place of creativity and exchanges where concepts are developed; and the make tank, on the lower floor, which comprises an amphitheater, a large open kitchen and a tasting area, as well as scientific laboratories for formulation, analysis and prototyping where new spirits are developed.

in order to investigate new ways of working, studio malka also designed custom-made furniture that continues to explore the concept of MuFu (mutant furniture), stretching scales and merging different uses into one, limited edition piece. in the make tank, the flooring is extruded from the ground into a geometrical landscape meeting place, an amphitheater under the central patio of the building. these mutant grounds allow polymorphous seating systems, a 3m long floating dining table for tastings, creating a federative agora at the nerve center of the main building. custom-made furniture with mirror structures enlarge perspective, and allow the kitchen and all its storage wall to disappear while reflecting the amphitheater and the central patio. this three-dimensional mirror system, assembled on a hollow cube with a 23° rotation of the walls and ceilings towards the sky to gain natural light, allows a mise en abyme, creating infinite fields of reflection.

the second building, BIG hospitality, is entirely dedicated to reception meet ups, bars, and informal meeting spaces developed in collaboration with ill studio’s artistic directors. salons, kitchen, bar, fitness center and reception rooms are incorporated into micro architectures and macro-furniture with mirror systems, mixed with subtle codes of hospitality to ensure the cosiness and the quality of the location. at the reception of the workspaces, the MuFu1523 merges the use of a sofa, a table, a library, a bar and an exhibition space on a 1523cm long- piece of furniture. on each function, a specific color was assigned by ill studio, creating a functionalist camouflage pattern related to each of the functions of the furniture.

BIG white, the facility devoted to events, is amulti-use and protean space that can be turned into an exhibition gallery, a pop-up store, or a space for launching new products. intelligent lighting systems highlight a succession of various size alcoves, creating an immersive experience throughout its immaterial geometry.

project info:

architect: studio malka architecture

client: pernod ricard

type: office building refurbishment, showroom

office building area: 1505 m² + 480 m²

showroom area: 175 m²

location: paris 9, france

team: studio malka architecture architects and coordinators, ceris bet engineers, ECR+PBM, BTP-consultants bureau de contrôle et sps, aartil light designers, ill-studio graphic interventions and AD