Iconic La Samaritaine reopens in Paris with SANAA redesign

After fifteen years and many obstacles, the La Samaritaine department store is ready to reopen its doors to the public in Paris. The Japanese studio SANAA has designed a new futuristic façade of wavy glass and restored its historical value by bringing a contemporary contribution to the architecture of the Second World War. Empire.

The history of this department store dates back to 1870 , when Ernest Cognacq and his wife opened, at the intersection of Pont-Neuf and Monnaie, a small shop that, over the years, became a 70,000m² block . combining Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles of the late 19th century.

The new undulating glass façade is, in fact, a continuation of the avant-garde spirit and research into glass that characterized the work of the architects responsible for the original design of La Samaritaine, Frantz Jourdain and Henri Sauvage .

The double façade reflects the ornaments of the surrounding architecture and presents a movement that invites the public to explore the urban block.

The greatest efforts, however, were directed towards restoration . The iconic Art Nouveau elements of the façade and its colorful enameled tiles were restored , along with a grand staircase and a skylight in the store's atrium.

Via ArquicteturaViva and ArchDaily