Publicis Drugstore - Paris
A multi functional retail, commercial and communication space
The new Publicis Drugstore arises out of itself. Rather than derived from styles or trends the architecture is instead the metaphorical offspring of the motivating principles of the Publicis Company. In this way the character of the company is translated into the building’s materials and tectonic language, while engaging the existing structure with a mutually respect and crafting a dynamic connection with the city and celebrated site of the Arc de Triomphe.
Revealing a fragile character of light and transparency that is at the same time strong the old and new elements of the facade embrace the city and its history. Far from ignoring the past, old and the new meet in a gesture of celebration and regeneration; collectively contributing more as a cohesive whole than they ever would have been able individually.
Within the fabric of it’s Parisian surrounding the building’s envelope is abstractly mirrored its internal programs with little regard for its immediate surroundings. The introduction of a bold swirling vortex of energy initiates the building’s interface with its surroundings. Charges with the expansive openness of a daring sculptural form this spatial attractor is further energized by trajectories of pedestrians and vehicles as they move along through and around the building. At the eye of these centripetal elements is embodied the spirit and soul of the new Publicis.
