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The project’s main vision is to revive a key landmark on the Esplanade de la Défense, combining bold architectural design with high environmental standards. It aims to be an inviting and inspiring workplace, enriched with natural light and abundant greenery. To achieve this, significant interventions were made to create a monumental atrium, expand office spaces, provide a green terrace and rooftop, and open the building for better connectivity. The concept was developed by overcoming substantial structural challenges without adding any weight to the existing structure, as the building sits atop an underground car park not included in the project’s scope. Eventually a new lacquered aluminum cladding covers the façades while preserving the rhythm of the existing openings.
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Lightwell is part of the renewal of Paris La Défense. The building benefits from a completely transformed image and is integrated into the district thanks to its curtain wall facade. The restoration of its original arcades, an urban promenade dotted with shops, establishes a direct link with the historic Esplanade. By 2026, Lightwell will be at the heart of the 5-hectare La Défense park. At the building scale, numerous planted terraces embellish the spaces, create peaceful views and generate a local ecosystem. In the medium term, they will form islands of coolness, like the green rooftop.
Lightwell is a virtuous project, the result of an ecological choice to refurbish rather than rebuild. It was conceived as an exemplary building: Two-thirds of the existing structure was retained. Over 85% of the waste was reused or transformed. 100% of the demolished concrete was recycled. The building was consequently certified HQE exceptional and BREEAM excellent during its conception. Lightwell is finalist of 2024 Grands Prix Simi, in the refurbished office building category. Lavoisier’s maxim perfectly defines Lightwell: ‘Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed’.
In the centre of La Défense, Lightwell enjoys an exceptional location, with direct visibility on the Arche. Constructed in 1986, the office building was renovated and extended by Barthélémy Griño. Owned by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Lightwell is the embodiment of an ambitious project in terms of both architectural style and environmental ethics. Lightwell is designed to be a warm and inspiring place to work, with an abundance of natural light and vegetation.
The transformation of Galilée into Lightwell was achieved thanks to major architectural work, aiming to:
It involves a major refurbishment that transforms the existing building to create a ground-breaking facility offering a new working experience centred on flexibility, comfort and social interaction. Its architecture encourages discussion, with a monumental atrium, green terraces and a lively interior street.
The building’s ten floors of workspace combine a large number of services. Two-thirds of the existing structure was retained. Over 85% of the waste was reused or transformed. 100% of the demolished concrete was recycled. The building was certified HQE exceptional and BREEAM excellent during its conception.
“A source of links and commitment, Lightwell is an invigorating place with a strong identity, where people come with pleasure to work, talk or share activities. Its new, human-scale architecture is designed to encourage meetings, emulation and the emergence of ideas. It is the soul of a place that is deeply committed to the environment.”
Established in 1990 by Philippe Barthélémy and Sylvia Griño, Barthélémy Griño is a Franco-Uruguayan architecture practice based in Paris. Our expertise ranges from urban design and architecture to interior and furniture design. We develop all types of projects for public and private clients from early conception stages to execution. We have completed over 100 buildings throughout France and overseas (Japan, Italy, China, Scotland…). Barthélémy Griño was awarded the Mention Spéciale at Equerre d’Argent for Vincent Pascucci Stadium in 2003. Berluti Maniffatura in Ferrara was finalist in both ArchDaily Building of the Year and Grand Prix AFEX 2016. The Glenmorangie Distillery extension in Tain was finalist of 2023 Grand Prix AFEX. Dior 30 Montaigne was laureate of 2023 World Prix Versailles. Lightwell is finalist of 2024 Grands Prix Simi. Our project for the Hôtel-Dieu is Geste d’argent 2024. Philippe Barthélémy is a member of the French Architectural Academy since 2018.
https://barthelemygrino.com/en...
