Paris, France
1989
Bull Research Centre
Integrating researchers into the city, integrating the building into the city: Bull’s new research centre in Paris is set on the avenue Gambetta, in the heart of a former industrial district and as an extension to a 1950s building which it has taken over and closed. Size and alignment have been maintained, with the junction between the old and new buildings taking the form of a rift, thus showing respect for the existing building while asserting a resolutely contemporary façade.
Client
Architects
Program
Area
Planning
Client
AGF
Meunier Promotion
Architects
Valode & Pistre
Peter Rice (Structure, toile tendue)
Program
Rehabilitation of an office building, creation of an informatic centre, cafeteria and restaurant
Area
21 000 m²
Planning
Delivery
1989
Within this rift is the entrance, giving access to an atrium, which was formerly a courtyard and is today a place for talk and social interaction. The lift tower is where the footbridges linking the various parts of the building converge, giving prominence to people and relationships, the company’s key assets.
A fully indoor space, this strategic spot is covered by a fanned section with folds consisting alternately of canvas and glass, resulting in a fine-tuned combination of light and shade and restoring unity to an ensemble of disparate geometries. Implemented with the assistance of Peter Rice, this work called for advanced technology, thus giving the research centre its cutting-edge aspect.
With its assertive presence on the street, the creation of a public space in front of the side façade, and a layout in which form and function are centred on a covered atrium bathed in light, the Bull research centre is both an urban space and an attractive and vibrant internal space, as well as a contemporary expression of a prestigious company.
A fully indoor space, this strategic spot is covered by a fanned section with folds consisting alternately of canvas and glass, resulting in a fine-tuned combination of light and shade and restoring unity to an ensemble of disparate geometries. Implemented with the assistance of Peter Rice, this work called for advanced technology, thus giving the research centre its cutting-edge aspect.
With its assertive presence on the street, the creation of a public space in front of the side façade, and a layout in which form and function are centred on a covered atrium bathed in light, the Bull research centre is both an urban space and an attractive and vibrant internal space, as well as a contemporary expression of a prestigious company.
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