France, 2018
Architecture
Beaupassage
Delimited by Boulevard Raspail, Rue du Bac, and Rue de Grenelle, the face of the Grenelle block is unique in many ways. Its heterogeneous built heritage reflects the long and complex urban and architectural history of Paris. On a 4,700 m² plot, an old classified convent, an industrial garage, housing, all adjoin the emblematic architectures of architect Henri Sauvage.
In concert with historical monument architects, Franklin Azzi chose to preserve the site's typicity and took on the challenge of introducing a complex multi-program: food shops, restaurants, service offerings, sports halls, housing. At the heart of the block, the garden, a reconstruction of a mini-forest of Île de France by landscape architect Michel Desvigne, is a true green lung accessible to all during the day.
A shared conviction between Laurent Dumas (Emerige) and Franklin Azzi of the need to make contemporary art shine in the city, several works of art permeate the site. At the entrances, Eva Jospin, Fabrice Hyber, and Romain Bernini in the garden, Stefan Rinck, and Marc Vellay.