Offices in a Former Factory : Renovating to Reveal Heritage and Embrace New Work Practices
The story behind the renovation of the CNAV (National Old-Age Insurance Fund) headquarters, located on Rue de Flandres in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, is a layered one. On this site, the iconic Erard piano company, having outgrown its premises on Rue du Mail, decided in 1874 to build a new factory on a plot of over 3 hectares—stretching 300 meters in length.
The main entrance was on what was then Rue de Flandre (now an avenue), while goods entered via Quai de l’Oise, directly onto the Saint-Martin Canal, where barges delivered wood to be unloaded. The factory ceased operations in 1939, and following World War II, the entire site was converted into office space. Over time, these spaces underwent various modifications and additions. Yet for those with a discerning eye, traces of the original factory still remain clearly visible in the Parisian landscape.
The renovation of the CNAV headquarters—carried out while the site remains operational—addresses multiple objectives tied to the modernization of both the buildings and workspaces. The goal is to improve the buildings’ thermal and energy performance while controlling energy costs. As part of a broader change management approach, reconfiguring the workspaces also allows for a new organization that better integrates digital tools, modern office uses, and the diverse needs of the various departments (including coworking areas, flexible layouts, modularity, and adaptability).
In addition, bringing the site into compliance with current fire safety and accessibility regulations (including accessibility for persons with reduced mobility) requires a complete rethinking of circulation throughout the site.
The architectural approach is based on an in-depth analysis of the existing buildings’ architectural character, aiming to highlight the 19th-century industrial identity while incorporating contemporary design elements. This work on the site’s heritage has been carried out in dialogue with the Commission du Vieux Paris, ensuring the renovation project remains respectful of the site’s historical qualities while meeting today’s regulatory requirements.
Carrying out construction in an occupied site requires careful phasing, overseen by AIA’s specialized project management teams. The operation was divided into multiple phases, allowing newly renovated spaces to be progressively delivered and occupied.
The main project, “Flandres 1,” is being completed in three successive phases: moving and reorganizing the various departments, conducting extensive gutting work (including significant asbestos removal), and delivering each phase in compliance with all applicable regulations.
Client
CNAVTS (Paris)
Design Team
Architects : AIA Architectes
All-trades Engineering & Cost Consultancy : AIA Ingénierie
Environmental Expertise : AIA Environnement
Project Management (Scheduling, Coordination, Supervision) : AIA Management
Program
Renovation and reconfiguration of the headquarters.
Certification
Effinergie Renovation Label
Area
21,290 m² GFA
Cost
€27 million (excl. VAT)
Timeline
Phase 1 : 2019
Final Completion : 2025
Photos © Axel Dahl