Key information
Construction: 1974
Renovation: 2011 (KPF + SRA)
10 levels = + 50 meters
231 meters, France’s tallest skyscraper
70 000 m2
Axa Investments Managers
The most Parisian of towers
Built in 1974 by architect Pierre Dufau, then renovated in 2011 by KPF and SRA Architectes, the Tour First of la Défense is the closest skyscraper to Paris and France’s tallest at 231 meters (ahead of the Tour Montparnasse, which rises to 210 meters). An architectural feat. Its views over the capital and the Seine are considered the best from the la Défense parvis.
Moving from the Louvre to the Palais de Tokyo
The challenge? Reposition the Tour First in a contemporary style, while respecting its high quality heritage but frozen in time. We had to give it that little twist, that energy, inspired by the hospitality codes of downtown Paris. The Saguez & Partners teams were responsible for renovating the 12,000 m2 of common spaces (lobby, 4 restaurants, auditorium foyer, co-working areas, wellness, concierge & terraces). The interior, like a cathedral of white marble, was enhanced by the use of light and height to create a warmer atmosphere. But above all, the challenge was to put the user back at the heart of the design process.
“The challenge was to revitalize a high-rise building in the heart of the Paris La Défense district. The First tower is the most Parisian of the parvis towers. ”
Michaël Bezou, Creative Director Saguez & Partners. A high-rise building used for office or other purposes, for which stringent fire prevention and fire-fighting legislation applies.
An active, open base
With a new transparent facade, the building’s interior life and the restaurants at the foot of the building are open to the outside world. In the lobby, the large volumes have been amplified by the creation of curved lines, reminiscent of the old Parisian passages. These curves, when illuminated, soften the cathedral effect, bringing in a more contemporary language. The reception area, designed as a passage at the heart of the building, serves the upper and lower floors.
