SANAA reveals plans to redesign 'la samaritaine' in paris

kazuyo sejima and ryue nishizawa of pritzker prize-winning studio SANAA have released plans for the redesign of la samaritaine, paris. as announced last year, the historic 1869 structure is set to become a mixed-use development including commercial space, offices, and social housing. with construction set to begin next month, the building aims to revitalize the neighborhood’s economic and commercial environment while strengthening the residential character.

all images courtesy of SANAA | la samaritaine

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

new rue de rivoli entrance

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

inside new rue de rivoli entrance

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

shopping space within restored building

site plan

compound of buildings that compose the current structure

elevation along rue de l’arbre sec

elevation along rue de la monnaie

diagram

physical model