With La Fondation, PCA-STREAM has radically transformed an unusual complex — a multi-storey car park combined with a 1960s building — giving it fresh momentum. The practice chose an extensive redevelopment, preserving the site’s charm while endowing it with the qualities of a contemporary building. The complex already possessed a remarkable helical ramp, generous industrial-style volumes, large open floor plates, and appealing materials — concrete, brick, ironwork — all hallmarks of a neo-industrial style prized by creative professionals and echoed in the unconventional workspaces favoured by innovative companies.
An artisanal and artistic heritage
The project’s philosophy is rooted in the rich history of the Batignolles, a district known for an identity that is at once commercial, artisanal and artistic. Many writers and artists have lived here over time, giving it a strong cultural energy — evident in its galleries, studios and art schools, and in the local council’s cultural commitment, notably to street art. The neighbourhood is renowned for concept stores showcasing young designers, and has become a destination for lovers of contemporary cuisine. PCA-STREAM responds to this dual artisanal and cultural identity by placing the redevelopment under the banner of a culture of experimentation, innovation and creativity — one that emphasises learning by doing within a setting that fosters exchange and collaboration, in keeping with the future ecosystem of rue Legendre.
Complementary programmes, street side and courtyard side
The project brings together two programmes: a five-star boutique hotel, a spa, a café and a rooftop restaurant on the rue Legendre side, followed across the rest of the plot by offices and associated services (café, fitness, event space) opening onto a courtyard on the rue de Saussure side. This mixed-use programme is designed to meet the varied needs of local residents. Contemporary signage unifies the site, while the ramp space stages the idea that these programmes form a single, inspiring place. The rue Legendre façade has been redesigned, with a neo-industrial café at street level. Its geometric framework plays on a contrast between metal and warmer woodwork, which continues into the bedrooms to form alcoves. The materials and furniture explore the site’s dual identity, between the artisanal warmth of wood and the more industrial quality of raw materials. Within the offices, the retained structures contrast with contemporary materials. Patios and glazed roofs bring in light and add to users’ comfort. Different types of workspace adapt to needs for quiet or for meetings. The many services and the access to the outdoors via planted terraces and patios reflect the care given to wellbeing.
Rising higher
The helical ramp, a testament to the building’s past, has been deliberately kept in its raw-concrete finish. It forms the symbolic link between the two parts of the complex through a shared programme of events and culture, sustaining an offbeat, creative and informal spirit. The ramp hosts a range of events, in partnership with the site’s occupants as well as the neighbourhood’s craftspeople, associations and design schools. This cultural elevation is matched by the many planted terraces rising through the building. Like the green walls in the courtyards, they are a source of wellbeing and of new relationships with the environment. The hotel’s rooftop terrace offers exceptional 360° views over Paris and the wider Grand Paris landscape.
