La Défense has a New Tower at the height of modernity

The launch of The Link project comes as a sign of the requisite economic recovery following the health crisis. Groupama revealed in June that the construction of the Total group’s future headquarters would give birth to the tallest tower ever constructed in La Défense. A large-scale project is expected to proceed until its completion in 2025.

A constantly evolving neighborhood

It should be noted above all that the huge The Connection project is taking place in the sense of the gradual modernisation of the entire district of La Défense. No fewer than 650,000 m2 of high-rise buildings have already been restructured in 15 years, about 70 per cent. Many towers dating from the 1970s, these operations are important to maintain a district’s reputation at the cutting edge of development.

The Paris La Défense public institution is also working on its attractiveness, with the construction of various spaces at the edges of the work: park, new restaurants, and exhibition spaces. Besides the spaces for coworking and seminars which are also in full production.

Lastly, it should be noted that the Michelet district, which will host The Connect, is undergoing a complete renovation to offer spaces that are more in line with modern life and more dynamic circulation. It’s especially a matter of better connecting it to the city of Puteaux. The plans are expected to be completed by 2028.

An ambitious project

PCA-Stream designed the connection and it will be constructed by Vinci Construction France. The lease was signed on March 14 between Total and Groupama which owns the site in the future completion state. In the real estate complex an area of 120,000 m2 is reserved by the oil giant to move the 6,000 workers already working in the Michelet and Coupole buildings.

Pride of the district of Michelet, the project Link would surpass the First tower, the present highest tower in La Défense, by 13 metres. Resting on a three-level foundation, the two wings are called Arche, which will rise to 228 meters above the forecourt and have 50 floors, and Seine, for 35 floors, 165 meters high.

Construction starts with the demolition of many buildings (including the GAN building) by 2020. The foundations will be sunk in 2021, until one story a week slowly grows with the project.

A new vision of the business building

The two towers are linked via planted walkways on 30 floors, to which the project name refers. Through of these “links” would create a one-piece platform of 3,000 m2, with a 40 m2 garden hanging and open-air. Open staircases would connect the floors two by two, to obtain duplexes of 6000 m2 allowing 500 people to build business units.

Due to improved energy efficiency and unprecedented thermal and acoustic comfort the Connection strives for the highest environmental award (HQE Exceptional). For example, the photovoltaic façade will provide 25 per cent of the energy required for lighting, and outstanding natural light will support the workspaces.

Other noteworthy points: On the 36th floor, a 600 m2 belvedere park overlooks the Seine and provides a breathtaking view of Paris. As for accessibility, the basement would have a 350 m2 bicycle parking area, instead of the normal car park.

The Connection project materializes new standards of construction that represent expectations evolving. More robust, becoming a part of nature in the face of environmental problems, it would definitely constitute a position where it would be nice to work. And only one example to follow!