CNIT – La Défense

Refurbishment of the CNIT - La Défense

CNIT is an emblematic architectural heritage of the La Défense business district, and has been through many incarnations since it was built. The main aim of this refurbishment work was to restore the vaulted span to its original grace by gutting the section below the line of the plaza. The architectural work further reorganised separate access points for the different offices, shops and the convention and exhibition centre.

The keystone of La Défense

The project incorporated the vault in its endeavours to develop a concept of a microclimate unique to this construction that is intrinsically linked to its signature geometry. The other major challenge of this extraordinary project was to bring in natural light beneath the vaulted span. This was a project that was tailored to the vault, not the other way round, maintaining the character of the site while enhancing it, preserving this architectural heritage for future generations.