Galeries Lafayette Roof

Since its inception, the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann commercial building has actively contributed to the dissemination of industrial and artistic creations. Its influence is considerable; the building redefines the Parisian urban landscape, its architecture employs the most significant technical advances, and the interior architectural elements (ceilings, staircases, balconies, canopies, etc.) are realized by the great French architects and decorators of the time (Louis Majorelle, Ferdinand Chanut). The interiors (counters, display cases, tea rooms, outdoor salon on the roof) are entrusted to the new guard of design; Charlotte Perriand, Serge Mouille, Pierre Paulin, Marc Berthier. The Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is nothing less than a symbol of French architectural modernity.

While the initial design of the building sought to blur the boundaries between inside and outside, the stakes of the 19th century differ completely. Now, we want to feel the air, we want to see the view! The project is part of what could be called the reconquest of the rooftops, known as the 5th façade, by installing new leisure and relaxation uses. In this spirit, Franklin Azzi designed the new layout of the existing roof terrace as well as a temporary pavilion (architecture and interior architecture) that is light and transparent. To extend the innovative spirit of the place, Guillaume Houzé (artistic director of the group) and Franklin Azzi invited the ornamentist Pierre Marie to create a phantasmagoric decor for an unprecedented contemporary dialogue between art and architecture.