The department store was closed in 2005 for security reasons and the overall renovation project was carried out by renowned architecture firm SANAA.
Updated at Apr 22, 2021, 12:48 PM - Submitted at Apr 23, 2021, 9:00 AM
(Simón García/)
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