Paris La Défense selected the group led by RSHP (formerly Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners) in March 2026 for the urban planning and public spaces mastery of the Rives Défense project, eight hectares located on the historical axis, facing the Seine and Paris. At this point, is it back to square one?
The ambition for Rives Défense, the client, through a “flash workshop” in the framework of the “Territory Workshop,” would it be to continue the fantasy of a City-on-Seine, once promoted by Sir Norman Foster whose twin towers project on the site fell through? However, it was Emin Iskendirov’s Dubai-on-Seine project that led the way before Foster, which included the Hermitage project designed by Jacques Ferrier: two connected vegetal towers.
In March 2026, as Emin Iskendirov’s Foster tower permits were ultimately invalidated (Le Parisien 13/03/2026), the announcement was made for the continuation with RSHP. “Rives Défense must rediscover its original connection with the Seine: the river is no longer a border, it becomes the living foundation of the neighborhood, capable of giving it a strong and open identity,” said Stephen Barrett, director of RSHP, and lead architect-urban planner.
The project, standing at 309m, with a goal to become “the tallest mixed towers in Western Europe,” has Jacques Ferrier reflecting on his initial vision of an urban project rather than just a record-breaking tower. Additionally, the project emphasizes the need to reconnect the neighborhood with the Seine and the natural ground.
The concept aims to enhance the neighborhood’s diversity by expanding residential offerings, revitalizing office spaces, and capitalizing on the existing structures. The vision includes the preservation of existing residential buildings, like the Ancre residence and the Alto and First towers. It also highlights the modernization of tertiary buildings and supporting commercial services.
The future of La Défense remains uncertain despite grand architectural proposals, with a growing focus on creating a more human-scaled development that fosters community and green spaces. Amidst a changing real estate market and global uncertainties, the challenge lies in finding a sustainable path forward for a significant area like La Défense that transcends past grandeur.
By fostering a new vision that prioritizes human-centric development over monumental towers and ivory skyscrapers, La Défense could potentially find a more sustainable and long-lasting avenue for growth.
Christophe Leray
*Read the press release: The urban planning mastery of Rives Défense is now in the hands of RSHP [Translation Notes: RSHP stands for Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, and the “flash workshop” and “Territory Workshop” are specific terms used in the urban planning context]
