The skyline of La Défense, once considered by many to be a rather bleak business district on the outskirts of Paris, is undergoing a major transformation. Things really started heating up when the La Defense Management & Development Office (EPAD) launched an ambitious development plan called "La Defense 2006-2015." Striking buildings by Jean-Paul Viguier, Arte Charpentier, Christian de Portzamparc, Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), Arquitectonica, Morphosis, and Valode & Pistre Architectes are either nearing completion or about to break ground.

 

Robert A.M. Stern Architects is the latest to join this stellar galaxy of architects. The New York City-based firm was selected (over Jacques Ferrier Architecte and Foster + Partners) to design Tour Carpe Diem, a new office tower for Aviva France, a leading provider of life insurance and pensions savings. The 35-story, 45,000-square-meter (@ 485,000-square-foot) building is another step forward in the evolution of La Défense toward pedestrian-friendly urbanism and environmentally responsible architecture. The building connects the raised esplanade – the “dalle” that continues the axis of the Champs-Elysées through the district – and the urban fabric of the city of Courbevoie to the north.

 

Tour Carpe Diem will significantly exceed French regulations for environmentally responsible development. The building's triple-glazed curtain wall incorporates sunshades that respond to the solar orientation of each façade and innovative grilles that provide natural ventilation to reduce dependence on air conditioning. Additional sustainable design strategies include solar water heating, a heat recovery system, high-performance lighting, and rainwater harvesting.

 

The project includes a landscaped pedestrian street lined with cafés that leads to an 18-meter-high (60 feet), skylit atrium, and rooftop conference and dining facilities surrounded by a garden and dramatic views of Paris.

 

SRA Architects of Châtillon, France, is the associate architect for the project.

 

Robert A.M. Stern Architects is a 300-person firm with a 38-year history of experience in residential, commercial, and institutional work, and currently has projects in Europe, Asia, South America, and throughout the United States. Numerous awards and citations for design excellence include National Honor Awards of the American Institute of Architects.