The Place de La Défense will begin its metamorphosis in early March!
Lead by Paris La Défense, the start of the works that will transform the Place de La Défense is imminent. This emblematic and vast space (20,000 sq. metres) has been totally redesigned and will show a completely new face after 24 months of construction. We'll tell you more about it!
The nerve centre of the business district
Situation aerial view - Place de La Défense © Paris La Défense
Designed in the early 1970s and redeveloped by Émile Aillaud in 1981, Place de La Défense, at the junction of the Parvis and the Esplanade du Général de Gaulle, needed to be given a new lease of life.
Far from being a traditional public space due to its positioning above numerous infrastructures under the flagstone (car park, underground roads, transport networks, etc.), its transformation involves complex constraints.
A metamorphosis with multiple objectives
Ground plan - Place de La Défense 2020 © Agence Base
In addition to resolving technical issues (notably waterproofing and floor coverings), Paris La Défense wishes to reaffirm the identity of the square by making it more plant-like, tree-lined and fluid. Another challenge of the project is to maintain its convivial and attractive dimension by relying, in particular, on two works of art, the masterpieces of its décor: l'Araignée Rouge [Red Spider] by Calder and les Personnages Fantastiques [Fantastic Characters] by Miró.
Paris La Défense has entrusted the project management to the Landscaping Agency Base : " We reconfigure the space in its entirety by carrying out an overall design work aimed at integrating the existing sculptural elements, while preserving its fundamentals in terms of circulation and uses. We wish to give Place de La Défense a sensual and organic dimension." adds Adrien Fourès, landscape designer from the BASE agency.
Position the white centre line to cover the forward/pregressive evolution.
Position the white centre line to cover the forward/pregressive evolution.
The phasing of the work
The first works will be carried out in phases and sectors, starting with the peripheral areas of the square and ending with the central part. Traffic will therefore be maintained throughout the construction site. The first stage, from March to September 2021, concerns the recomposition of the northern area, on the side of the Maison de La Défense and Calder's Red Spider, as well as an area around the RATP glass roof, with work at night so as not to interrupt access to Cœur Transport during the day. The phases will then follow one another for delivery in spring 2023.
