The art of inserting a new building into an historic city block means engaging in an open, physical dialogue with the existing city buildings. Renzo Piano Building Workshop designed this “glass organic creature” in the courtyard of a 19th-century block to house the new headquarters of the Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé – dedicated to preserving the history of French film company Pathé and promoting cinematography. The upper part of the building is made of glass, providing natural light for the Foundation’s offices. An external skin of translucent glass tiles envelops the entire structure, creating the effect of an armadillo hide over the humped form while letting softened light into the upper storeys. Once complete, the building will contain offices for the foundation, spaces for temporary exhibitions and the Pathé archive. From the street the building is glimpsed through and over the restored façade – a discreet presence during the daytime, it will softly glow at night.
