La Samaritaine revealed its new contemporary, modern form to the neighbourhood, opening up to the many aspects of Parisian life. After years it has had the opportunity to become a lively place to meet, discover and experience for Parisians and foreign guests.

Located in the heart of Paris, it houses a new department store, a prestigious hotel, cafes, brasseries and restaurants, a social flats, children’s nursery and offices.

The contemporary facade of La Samaritaine facing Rue de Rivoli is a masterpiece that combines the sense of simplicity, the passion for detail and the poetic inspiration of the architects of the SANAA studio from Japan.

The stunning glass curtain wall is the outer skin of the building envelope standing in front of the triple glazed inner skin that acts as a core of thermal comfort and provides fire resistance properties.

The outer façade has an irregular undulating form and comprises 343 curved glass panels measuring 2.7 by 3.5 meters. The panels have been made of laminated extra-clear Pilkington Optiwhite™ custom-bent by Cricursa and installed by glass façade specialists Frener & Reifer.

Photography: Salem Mostefaoui

For more photos please visit Project reference page.