Tour Carpe Diem

Tour Carpe Diem is an important step forward in the evolution of La Défense toward pedestrian-friendly urbanism and environmentally responsible architecture. The 45,000 m2 building connects the raised esplanade—the "dalle" that continues the axis of the Champs-Elysées through the district—and the urban fabric of the city of Courbevoie to the north. A landscaped pedestrian street, centered on a reflecting pool and lined with cafés, leads to the building's winter garden and lobby; a monumental stair descends to a plaza on the Boulevard Circulaire, where a second front welcomes visitors at what was heretofore very much the back of the site. The building's faceted facades reflect this dual orientation and catch the ever-changing Parisian light to give the building a strong identity on the crowded La Défense skyline.

The building meets the Boulevard Circulaire with shops and a grand entrance to the lobby above, accessed via a grand interior stair that ascends side-by-side with the exterior stair. The mezzanine accommodates a double-height restaurant with views up and down the Boulevard. At the level of the dalle, the main lobby is augmented by an eighteen-meter-high winter garden, a skylighted oasis at the heart of La Défense in which visitors can sip coffee at the edge of a lily pond. An employee cafeteria one level above takes advantage of light and views of the winter garden. The building's thirty office floors offer 1,300 m2 of column-free space configured to maximize light and views. A rooftop clubhouse provides conference facilities including meeting rooms and an 80-seat dining room, all wrapped by a roof garden that frames dramatic views over Paris.

Tour Carpe Diem significantly exceeds French regulations for environmentally responsible development. The building's triple-glazed curtain wall incorporates sunshades that respond to the solar orientation of each facade and innovative grilles that provide natural ventilation to reduce dependence on air conditioning. Additional sustainable design strategies include solar water heating, a heat recovery system, and high-performance lighting.

RAMSA Partners Robert A.M. Stern, Kevin Smith, Meghan McDermott, and Graham Wyatt led the design.