France, 2024
Architecture
Tour Ariane, Nouvelle AOM
The Ariane Tower is a creation by Jean de Mailly, one of the three consulting architects for the development of La Défense. This transformation project is unprecedented due to its technical challenges (occupied site, noise management, urban environment) and the extensive reuse of elements from the existing façade. The thermal renovation of the envelope will result in a 30% reduction in the building's energy consumption.
The project replaces the original façade with a new glass skin placed in front of the concrete, offering an opportunity to create a new, contemporary, refined, and regular architectural expression.
The classical composition in three parts—base, body, and crown—has been reestablished, with the base activated and opened to the neighborhood. The entrance pavilion has been redesigned with greater transparency, softening the monolithic appearance of the tower. Acoustic considerations were a key focus, particularly through the reuse of the historic metal shields from the façade, 290 of which have been repurposed as luminaires in the lobby.