Architects Michel Rémon and Alexis Peyer, alongside other scientists benefiting humanity, have created a unique workplace. Their combined expertise as designers and researchers has earned the Paris Innovation Park the reputation of “constructing the world,” symbolizing the proprietary technology of the Air Liquide Group. The venue’s distinct visual elements highlight its strong technological atmosphere, boosting the group’s international standing beyond the boundaries of Leroux Juozas and the ‘Paris Saclay’ scientific cluster where it operates.
The client has shown a strong commitment to energy efficiency and environmental performance. The building’s transparency symbolizes the flow of gases—the “basic materials”—and reflects a vision of harmonious coexistence with the Earth. Notably, the building stores energy produced by photovoltaic panels in the form of hydrogen, a first in France. Resources are sourced internally, including hydrogen-powered vehicles circulating onsite.
Landscape designer Laure Planchai emphasizes biodiversity through the creation of surrounding world gardens. Her design pays tribute to renowned botanical explorers and the historic connection between the Versailles region and the Saclay Plateau.
The research center consists of an office on the west side, a central garden opposite the office, and a laboratory on the east side accessible from the ring road. These distinct functions are interwoven along a “research axis” that includes conference rooms, informal meeting areas, and self-service dining facilities.
▲ Plan view
The building’s corridors converge on this research axis, serving as a gathering space. During summer, the building’s depth and north-south orientation enable natural nighttime ventilation. Heat stored in the exposed concrete floors is released during the day, while radiant panels provide heating in winter.
The architects envisioned the building and landscape as a unified entity centered around large circular patterns. This project serves as the main building for the Air Liquide Research and Innovation Group and marks the first phase of a global redevelopment effort. The expansive circular structure leads to a planting center set away from the streets, honoring the residential character of the surrounding environment.
Michel Rémon designed the “sunflower” building with a north-facing entrance, precisely aligned along the north-south axis to follow the sun’s path. The structure spans between massive concrete walls that run from north to south, allowing sunlight to filter in from the east and west, illuminating the central corridor.
▲ Sectional view
The reception pavilion welcomes visitors into the “circular hall,” a transitional space bridging the external environment and the research center. This hall is enclosed beneath a massive steel “mesh shell” dome. The space extends westward toward a reflecting pool and further into other areas of the industrial zone. The auditorium is accessible directly from the circular hall.
Outdoor Area
Indoor Spaces
Project Information
Project Type: Research Center
Location: Les Loges-en-Josas, France
Architectural Design: Michel Rémon & Associés
Area: 18,000 m²
Year: 2019
Photographers: Sergio Grazia, Fabien Garcia
Suppliers: Lafarge Holcim, Schuco, Gerflor, Bene
Lead Architects: Michel Rémon, Alexis Peyer
Landscape Design: Laure Planchai
Lighting Design: Yann Kersalé
Engineering: TRIBU
Acoustic Design: AVLS
Financial Budget: Vanguard
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