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T H E C O L L A B O R A T I V E P L A C E
What was your vision for the Bergère project?
Bergère was developed in two stages: first, a “think tank”
phase with our Stream laboratory, focusing on research and
exploration of contemporary issues, followed by a “do tank”
phase, where this research was given a concrete form as an
architectural proposal.
One of the major challenges was to overcome the constraints of
a building that had historically been designed as a bank’s head
office, which was compartmentalised and inward-looking. We
sought to reverse this logic by opening Bergère up to the city
and strengthening its links with its surroundings.
We reorganised its vertical lines and opened up the interior
spaces where possible to improve transparency and commu-
nication, while enriching the building with a diverse range of
programmes This transformation also includes new outdoor
spaces and multipurpose amenities helping to anchor Bergère
within a more open connected urban dynamic that interacts
with its neighbourhood
Your CSR ambition in a few key points
We worked with our Stream laboratory to develop a lowcarbon
project that would reconcile heritage restoration with envi
ronmental ambitions This strategy makes a priority of using
whats already there with selective deconstruction and reuse
to limit the carbon footprint
Rather than replace the historic apertures we implemented a
strategy that combined conservation reuse and technological
innovation optimising thermal insulation while preserving the
buildings identity
Designed with sustainability in mind, the project combines
low-carbon materials, energy efficiency and urban integration,
establishing Bergère as a model of responsible regeneration.
How does Bergère meet the
needs of new users?
With a view to intensifying use and ensuring long-term resil-
ience, we have designed flexible, scalable spaces that are able
to keep pace with changes in the way people work and live.
A new central axis for distributing traffic flows means that the
basic core, now classified as an ERP (public building), can be
reclaimed, making it easier to open it up to a wide range of
visitors and enriching Bergère with a diversity of programmes.
The restaurant, conference and event space, sports hall and
media room are all part of a range of services designed to make
it more attractive and enhance user wellbeing
The redevelopment of the atrium and the addition of a staircase
will boost reception capacity and optimise the connectivity of
the spaces The twostorey garden has been redesigned as
a highquality outdoor space for the brasserie and business
centre while the installation of a Parisarium terrace on the
sixth floor affords exceptional views over Paris
How would you sum up Bergère in 3 words
Heritage living and contemporary
Architect and PCA-STREAM founder Philippe Chiambaretta
is rethinking Bergère through an ambitious refurbishment that
places the building within its historical context, reconciling
heritage, innovation and contemporary issues.
PHILIPPE CHIAMBARETTA
THE ARCHITECTURE, BY
REINVENTING
THE CITY:
PRESERVED
HERITAGE MEETS
SUSTAINABLE
FUTURE
PCA-STREAM INTERVIEW