PB20 - PB21

PB20-PB21

Year of construction: 1986
Architects: Michel Andrault and Pierre Parat, with Hubert Godet. Surface area: 29,500 sq.m
Height: 27 m. 9 floors
Former name: Coface, Easy Building

Address: 10-12, cours Michelet 92800 Puteaux
Nearest car park: Michelet
Nearest metro station: Esplanade de La Défense

The gradual transition to first-day-lit buildings means that the volumes are multiplied. PB20-PB21 is a perfect example of this. The gigantic size of the various bodies of the building, most of which are square in plan, is attenuated by their location straddling the esplanade and the natural ground. The facade materials, stone and glass, in different shades, complete the play of volumes. Access is via vast porches revealing the interior patio gardens.
The courtyard planted with acacias and third-generation buildings on a human scale gives the district a more intimate and convivial character. The limited number of architects on the site also ensures a certain homogeneity.

A word about the architects

Michel Andrault (1926) and Pierre Parat (1928) joined forces in 1957 and for almost forty years held a prominent place on the French architectural scene. Known for their work on housing (the Pyramids of Epernay and Evry), they also designed major facilities such as the Palais omnisports de Paris-Bercy.
In 1985, they entered La Défense and, along with Henry La Fonta, became the most influential architects on the site. They accompanied its transformation over nearly ten years and signed several master plans. In terms of projects, Michel Andrault and Pierre Parat are involved in around ten projects, including the restructuring of the CNIT and the Société Générale towers. In 1997, the Renaissance Hotel marked their last collaboration. Michel Andrault then continued his career by founding the Conceptua agency with Nicolas Ayoub.

PB20-PB21

  • PB20-PB21
  • PB20-PB21
  • PB20-PB21