TIME WAVES 

The historical building of La Samaritaine is renovated with a new reflective facade on Rue de Rivoli, connecting the past and present of Paris. 

The renovation project of La Samaritaine focused on the transformation of a late-19th century “grand magasin” into a building with social and commercial activities. Designed in collaboration by SANAA, LAGNEAU Architectes, Francois Brugel Architectes Associes, and SRA Architectes, the building complex is an important element in urban memory, located from Rue de Rivoli to the Quai du Louvre, overlooking the Seine.  

The facade of Rue de Rivoli revitalizes the image of La Samaritaine. The soft waves of the glass echo the rhythm and scale of neighboring fenestration, establishing continuity along this busy commercial street. To further enhance the integration of the new design within its urban context the glass reflects and transforms the surrounding city, creating a subtle combination of the historical and the contemporary across its surface. 

Photography: © Jared Chulski