Built from the 17th century, the composite ensemble of the Saint-Vincent de Paul site in the 14th arrondissement of Paris^e has always served functions related to culture and solidarity. Successively a teaching house, orphanage, and modern hospital, the site ceased its hospital activities in February 2012 and was later repurposed by the Aurora Association, dedicated to social housing, and then by the "Les Grands Voisins" project. For five years, this project revealed the potential of the site by hosting more than 250 associations, artisans, and entrepreneurs in a social and solidarity-based dynamic.

In 2024, after this successful transitional phase, the project led by OGIC, with its partners Chatillon Architectes, Soja Architectures, and Armand Nouvet, was chosen by Paris & Métropole Aménagement to reinvent the Denfert Facade. The transformation of the site and its three lots (Oratoire, Robin, and Denfert) will allow it to become the epicenter of a new cultural attraction hub for the Left Bank.

Continuing the history of this site marked by solidarity and culture, our project aims to recreate a major cultural space for the neighborhood, respectful of the existing buildings, the environment, and carrying a strong ambition: to create a unique and open space with great functional diversity. This space will include 3,600m² of cultural facilities (concert halls, exhibition rooms, a theater, an artist residency, etc.), housing, commercial spaces, a restaurant, and an incubator.

The project will highlight all the spatial and environmental qualities of the historical construction methods used in the Oratoire building (17th century) as well as the Robin building (19th century) and will give them new life. A new building will be erected on the Denfert lot in harmony with the existing structures and with a focus on simplicity (raw stone and solid wood with the minimal use of materials).

The rehabilitation project for the Oratoire building, led by Chatillon Architectes, will rely on the existing structure while incorporating new elements that dialogue with the site's history. The entire site will be organized around interconnected buildings and courtyards, creating continuity with the surrounding urban fabric.

This rehabilitation particularly aims to enhance the environmental qualities of the buildings while harmonizing the new structure with the existing ones. Designed with an evolving architecture approach, the project focuses on sustainability by anticipating future obsolescence. For the Oratoire building assigned to Chatillon Architectes, the project will align with the objectives of the future Bioclimatic PLU (Local Urban Plan). It will prioritize the existing structure, emphasizing and preserving the biodiversity of the Oratoire courtyard, allowing for the valorization and enjoyment of the unique spaces this location offers. Openings in the facades will revitalize the neighborhood flow, and the greening of the space will make it an enjoyable place to stroll. All transformations will be sober and durable, with the preservation of floors and the enhancement of unique spaces such as attics and verandas, which will improve the usability qualities of the building.

Location
Paris 14e

Project type
Transformation

Program
Culture, Housing

Project owner
SAS Façade Denfert (OGIC)

Team
Chatillon Architectes, Soja Architectes, Armand Nouvet Architecture

Budget
11 M€ HT

Timeline
2024 – 2028