Institut Français de la Mode Paris

Located in Paris on Quai d’Austerlitz, within a former early 20th-century industrial warehouse, the new campus of the Institut Français de la Mode is established through the merger of two schools, bringing together all disciplines of fashion and couture education. Responsible for the refurbishment and interior fit-out, the educational architect designs spaces that support innovative pedagogical models while reinforcing the identity of this site of French design excellence.

The adaptive reuse architect responds to multiple ambitions: strengthening international visibility, activating the Seine riverfront, and introducing new modes of teaching. Locating all shared and publicly accessible functions at ground-level the educational architect reinforces openness. Lecture series, events, and temporary exhibitions are hosted in the library, auditorium, amphitheatre and through-hall. From Quai d’Austerlitz, access is via a broad stepped entrance leading into a bright, communal central space that defines the new institutional threshold.

A large timber staircase, leading to workshops and teaching spaces on the upper levels, acts as the building’s organizing spine. The learning environment design offers spaces for circulation, interaction and collaboration, which form the backbone of the project, designed to foster engagement between people, disciplines and ideas.

The adaptive reuse architect employs wood and glass to reinforce the building’s industrial character and conviviality, while retaining the existing concrete structure. Timber references traditional Parisian couture ateliers and contributes to the Institut’s brand identity.

The educational architect prioritizes daylight and transparency as key design drivers, enabling street visibility of activity and creativity, while glazed workshop spaces reveal and communicate craftsmanship.Top of Form