Old Army Barracks transform into new premises for Paris university

The French capital's Lourcine barracks, dating back to 1875, have been transformed into a verdant, modern university building for Paris I – Law University by architecture practice Chartier-Dalix, which merged an industrial interior with a leafy, carefully landscaped exterior

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The campus featuring an outdoor stair case that leads down to a lower level with glass windows and doors. Behind that at street level are two nine-floor buildings parallel to one another.
Greenery, clever landscaping and natural light played a key role in this redesign by Paris based architects Chartier-Dalix. (Image credit: Takuji Shimmura)

Nestled in one of Paris’ oldest military sites, Lourcine barracks have been ambitiously transformed into a new site for Paris I Law University, complete with a library, lecture theatre, classrooms and offices. With the oldest parts dating back to 1875, the architects in charge of the project, the Paris-based Chartier-Dalix agency, have preserved the historic features of the site, while carefully adding in new elements with a strong contemporary feel.

Inside, natural light makes a wide corridor an ideal meeting space, where students and lecturers can gather around before heading to the other floors – all connected by a monumental, newly added, spiral staircase. The library’s reading rooms have been organised accordingly so that natural light can flood in through large original windows, creating a soothing atmosphere to those working on their academic studies.

Looking sideways on down through the trees towards the lower level outside piazza.

(Image credit: press)

Beyond a few modern and environmental upgrades, Chartier-Dalix has chiefly worked on clearing the heritage site, thus allowing its nineteenth century features and original splendour back into plain sight. Oak, glass and steel, added technical installations and industrial style made to measure pieces of furniture, bring the necessary contemporary touch to this renovation work, where old and new smoothly complement each other.

Outside, the grounds keep their original function as a central forecourt connecting a wooded garden and three buildings. Weathered steel panels pave the ground up to a gallery located at the lowest point of the site. Here what used to be an old car park has now been turned into a plush and stylish lecture theatre which can host up to 500 students.

Innovatively opening up to the surrounding existing buildings, the new Paris I Law University premises are an inspiring work of renovation, which brings a fresh architectural approach to this ever-changing south-eastern corner of the French capital city.

Overlooking the lower-ground level piazza area and the steps to the left. Greenery fills the spaces.

(Image credit: Takuji Shimmura)

A close-up of the outside stair well with greenery surrounding it on both sides.

(Image credit: Takuji Shimmura)

A close-up of the lower-ground level entrance with three timber benches in front of large glass panel doors and windows.

(Image credit: Sergio Grazia)

A side-on view of the outdoor foyer area with two c. 10m timber benches in the centre, glass panel windows on the right and the stairwell on the left

(Image credit: Sergio Grazia)

A spiral staircase in the lobby.

(Image credit: Takuji Shimmura)

A side on view of a lecture hall with rows black benches and a dark theme.

(Image credit: Takuji Shimmura)

Wall-facing wooden desks with reading lamps above each reading station and white chairs underneath.

(Image credit: Sergio Grazia)

At the top of the spiral staircase looking down.

(Image credit: Takuji Shimmura)

Looking through a long corridor with a black floor and roof, illuminated with a sideways strip lights. In the distance is the spiral staircase.

(Image credit: Camille Gharbi)

INFORMATION

chartier-dalix.com

Fabienne Dupuis

Fabienne Dupuis is a freelance journalist specialising in travel, design and architecture, as well as a hospitality consultant. With a love for spontaneous adventures, she has explored the Middle East, India, and Anglo-Saxon cultures and has lived in Great Britain, Morocco, and India. Passionate about long journeys, she’s completed global tours and a London-Delhi motorcycle ride.