Gas plant

Located on the historic site of the Plaine Saint Denis, the Gaz de France research centre is a vast territory where many built elements evolve over time. Major restructuring works have adapted the premises to new technological and business data. The building in this project is a significant example of this necessary and constant change.

The professional cooking test centre was presented during the bid as an essentially technical project in which management of fluid networks was predominant. Because of the density of the networks we decided to use them as a structural element, a vehicle for the image of the place; a detailed layout plan implemented technical surfaces prioritizing test areas and an internal service road crossing the project area. This particular use of networks led to the transformation of what was considered a technical project into a plastic project where the streamlining of technical constraints defines and gives life to the workspaces.

Mainly tertiary, the second phase of the project was initially characterized by aggressive contact between the offices and the technical areas with no management of the related nuisances. We therefore proposed the implementation of an authentic inner facade to manage the interface between the offices and the technical hall.

This glass facade supports horizontal and vertical movement while conveying the various technical systems needed to operate the whole unit. This showcase of the site’s activity becomes the image through its spectacular treatment of the guard rails. The assembly as a whole conveys an image of soft technology in harmony with the company’s positioning and communication.