Paris Region Headquarters’s Design Concept
The wealthiest region in Europe has moved from the center of the capital to Saint-Ouen, marking the first time a prestigious public institution has established itself in Greater Paris. The Paris Region Headquarters consists of two buildings, each showcasing varied interpretations of the landscape design. One is raised above a refreshing and shady garden, while the other is built around a suspended garden that can be accessed from a balcony, offering breathtaking city views. A third garden is the front courtyard, providing panoramic city views for the entire Paris Region Headquarters.
© Luc Boegly
The entrance to the hall is marked by a beautiful arcade of arches that provides a warm welcome to all visitors and users of the premises. Inside, you’ll find a spacious multipurpose room called the hemicycle and a public lobby, all arranged within an ample double-height, transparent space filled with natural light. On the upper floors, the dual facade is a simple mechanism with moldings that subtly change based on orientation to optimize office lighting. The institution is impressive yet restrained and in tune with its surroundings.
© Luc Boegly
Project Info:
Architects: Ferrier Marchetti Studio
Area: 60000 m²
Year: 2021
Photographs: Luc Boegly
Lead Architect: Ferrier Marchetti
Landscaping Designer: D’ici là, D’Ici-Là
Public Spaces Interior Design: Denu & Paradon
Space Planning: Saguez & Partners
City: Saint-Ouen
Country: France
Isabelle Laurent is a Built Projects Editor at Arch2O, recognized for her editorial insight and passion for contemporary architecture. She holds a Master’s in Architectural Theory from École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-Belleville. Before joining Arch2O in 2016, she worked in a Paris-based architectural office and taught as a faculty adjunct at the École Spéciale d’Architecture in Paris. Isabelle focuses on curating projects around sustainability, adaptive reuse, and urban resilience. With a background in design and communication, she brings clarity to complex ideas and plays a key role in shaping Arch2O’s editorial