Prefecture of Seine-et-Marne

The ground floor town hall renovation of the Préfecture de Seine-et-Marne places increased emphasis on the reception of all users, including visitors and staff. The civic architect reorganizes distinct circulation flows, redesigns shared areas and introduces secure access points, improving overall management of the site. The design creates a welcoming environment while ensuring confidentiality. Circulation is rationalized, and custom-designed furniture is introduced, which improves waiting comfort in a space often associated with stress.

A key principle of the town hall renovation is the sequential organization of the public interface. The reception sequence is structured as a series of spaces — entrance halls, pre-reception, waiting areas, and service counters — improving visitor processing and interaction with staff. Timber furnishings introduce warmth and a more domestic quality to these otherwise institutional spaces. Walls and ceilings are designed by the listed building architect to support clear communication while preserving privacy. A glazed screen is integrated into each reception desk to ensure staff protection. The reception counter near the entrance provides initial guidance before directing users to the appropriate services. Public and staff circulation routes are fully separated at all times.

Outside, queuing areas are protected from the roadway through stationary, urban furniture. The town hall renovation reconfigures the entrance vestibule, which is a cross-ventilated, transparent and sheltered space, enabling security operations in appropriate conditions. The offset arrangement of automatic doors reduces draughts and improves working conditions for reception staff. Opposite the public entrance, four meeting rooms are located off the staff hall, which can be reconfigured using movable partitions. Support services and administrative units benefit from naturally lit workspaces.