The beating heart of the La Défense district, the square will be the subject of an experimental transformation. Paris La Défense (PLD) has announced that it has launched a call for tenders to initiate the transformation of part of this iconic slab. While waiting to carry out a major renovation in the coming years, the establishment wishes to give even more life at this 1.3 hectare place, bordered by the Grande Arche, the Westfield Les 4 Temps and the Westfield Cnit The three-year experiment must focus on “zone 3”, that is to say a space of approximately 2,500 square meters located between the RATP glass roof and the exits. Boieldieu and Parvis-Esplanade of La Défense station.
With this consultation, Paris La Défense wishes to bring part of this place to life on the scale of Greater Paris by selecting a designer-operator (event agency or specialist in transitional town planning and/or the original occupation of places), capable of making it an attractive and comfortable destination, while preserving its ability to play the multi-use forum role. The objective is to make this space easily identifiable and appropriate for everyone, in order to make it a true center of life.
Paris La Défense specifies that the placemaking project must include the management, organization, coordination and animation of the site, as well as all the technical and logistical aspects inherent in its implementation, between February and the end of September. “The proposals must therefore be easily dismantled or movable in order to maintain the flexibility of the space,” indicates PLD, which wishes to continue to organize its Christmas Market each year in this area, Garden Parvis, the other summer event, will not be impacted, because it is located right next door.
In its specifications, the establishment listed a series of criteria to select the winner, including the creation of spaces for conviviality and relaxation, the development of shaded and planted areas, the installation of furniture adapted to different times of the day, as well as coherence with the surrounding urban setting, encouraging meetings. Sports activities, after-work meetings, activities dedicated to families as well as weekend programs must be offered.
“In accordance with the raison d’être of Paris La Défense, which aims to become the world’s first post-carbon business district, the public establishment combines its consultation with strict environmental rules,” specifies PLD. Eco-design, the use of reusable materials, limitation of the carbon footprint, greening and climatic comfort are among the imperative criteria. “The objective is to demonstrate that it is possible to reconcile attractiveness, quality of life and environmental sobriety in such a constrained urban space,” adds the establishment.
Finally, this initiative aims to be part of the “Atelier des Territoires” approach, co-led last year by Paris La Défense and state services, in order to make the neighborhood a true multi-use hub of life.
Candidates have until June 22 to respond to this consultation, the mission of which is planned for a period of three years (2027, 2028 and 2029).
