The Cité de la Mode et du Design, located on the banks of the Seine in Paris, stands among the most interesting architectural interventions of recent decades in the French capital. Designed by the architectural firm Jakob + MacFarlane, the project was completed in 2008, transforming an old industrial warehouse into a vibrant center of creativity and innovation.
The building, with its iconic green structure seemingly floating above the river, challenges traditional architectural conventions. The exterior cladding, a shell of glass and steel with organic forms, breaks the rigidity of the pre-existing structure, creating a bold and dynamic visual contrast. The choice of materials and shapes suggests a continuous dialogue between past and future, between industrial and contemporary.
Jakob + MacFarlane’s project does not merely focus on aesthetic renovation but also on functional enhancement, introducing versatile spaces for exhibitions, events, and commercial activities. The interiors, characterized by large glazed surfaces and a flexible layout, promote natural light and visual permeability, creating an environment conducive to creativity and interaction.
The Cité de la Mode et du Design stands as an example of urban regeneration that, while enhancing the historical context, dares with innovative solutions.
