Ariane Tower Paris-La Défense

In the La Défense district, architects Nouvelle AOM have reinterpreted Tour Ariane 50 years after its original design by architect Jean de Mailly, with the primary goal of reducing energy consumption. To achieve this while creating a clean and regular architectural expression, the original façade (known for its cruciform aluminium shields) is transformed by Nouvelle AOM into a new "dress of light", featuring glass in front of alternating prefabricated concrete panels and porthole windows of the primary envelope. The proposals place the users at the centre of the project: the base will host functions like those of a grand hotel; the mezzanine level will feature a business centre with an auditorium, meeting rooms and a foyer, while the more transparent entrance pavilion offers services that firmly anchor the tower in the neighbourhood. This project, with 85% occupancy – accommodating 4,000 users – is a model of reuse, with 90% of the glazing and 85% of the aluminium shields being recycled.