Docks Quai d’Austerlitz

On the Paris Rive Gauche, the former Magasins Généraux is reborn as the new headquarters of the Port of Paris, through an industrial building conversion. The waterfront architect leads the rehabilitation of this early‑20th‑century industrial building, an 85‑meter‑long structure reimagined in line with contemporary environmental commitments while preserving the architectural identity of the Docks de Paris.

From the banks of the Seine river, the building forms a distinctive architectural figure within the evolving cityscape. The industrial building conversion asserts a dialogue between its industrial heritage and the natural elements of sky and river. Central to the project, the reinforced‑concrete frame and column‑and‑beam system — hallmarks of early industrial architecture — are restored and revealed. Within this concrete skeleton, the adaptive reuse architect inserted metal volumes, slid between the structural bays, establishing a striking visual contrast. Clad in reflective metal panels, these boxes come alive through the ever‑changing play of light, water and sky.

Across the industrial building conversion of the Docks de Paris, terraces, walkways and open riverfront spaces foster social interaction, as well as visual continuity with the city. The green roof, planted with sedum, evokes a raised urban meadow where users can gather and relax.

In the spirit of a contemporary atelier, the waterfront architect designs flexible office floors with shared amenities. Architecture and finishes embrace material honesty —exposed concrete, glass, and unpainted metal, balanced by the warmth of wood. Two interior streets, oriented toward the Seine river, optimize daylight and natural ventilation, while a central planted courtyard enhances the building’s bioclimatic performance. A double skin of fritted glass functions as a thermal chimney, ensuring high‑efficiency insulation and environmental comfort throughout this industrial building conversion.