The history of the renovation of the CNAV headquarters on Rue de Flandres is complex. On this site, the iconic Erard piano house, too cramped in its premises on Rue du Mail, decided to build a new factory in 1874 on a plot of over 3 hectares – 300 meters long. The factory closed its doors in 1939, and it was after the war that the complex was converted into #offices which, over time, underwent various modifications and additions. But to those who look closely, the factory still remains a prominent feature of the Parisian landscape.
The renovation of the CNAV headquarters, carried out while occupied, serves several objectives driven by the #modernization of buildings and workspaces. It aims to renovate to increase the energy/thermal performance of the buildings and control energy costs. As part of a change management approach, the redesign of workspaces aims to provide a new organization that better integrates digital tools, tertiary #uses, and the diverse needs of various departments (coworking spaces, flexible arrangements, modularity, and adaptability, etc.). Furthermore, bringing the site up to standards in terms of fire safety and accessibility for persons with reduced mobility requires a redefinition of pathways throughout the site.
In the architectural approach, a thorough analysis of the existing architectural image is undertaken to enhance the industrial identity of 19th-century buildings while integrating contemporary developments. This work on existing heritage involved close dialogue with the Commission du Vieux Paris to validate the coherence of the renovation project with respect to the site’s qualities while integrating current regulatory requirements.
Congratulations to the entire AIA Life Designers team, and thanks to our client for their trust in this complex transformation project.
> Learn more about this project.
Photos © Axel Dahl.