Picture courtesy of Herzog & de Meuron / SCI Tour Triangle
PARIS, FRANCE—The La Tour Triangle has stirred up quite the controversy in Paris, where the idea of skyscrapers has long been resisted in favor of preserving the city’s historic skyline. While the city’s low-rise policy is aimed at protecting iconic monuments like the Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame, the approval of La Tour Triangle marks a major shift in urban planning.
Though its 42-story height might seem modest compared to other global skyscrapers, the design, described as a futuristic “Toblerone-like” wedge, challenges the city’s aesthetic norms. Herzog & de Meuron’s design is undeniably striking, but many Parisians are vocal about their opposition, with some comparing the building to a pyramid and others finding the Toblerone resemblance unappealing.
For some, the introduction of La Tour Triangle represents a step forward in modernizing Paris, but for others, it’s a symbolic rupture with the city’s beloved architectural identity. The debate continues to underscore the tension between progress and preservation in one of the world’s most renowned cultural capitals.
The Legal and Planning Hurdles
The idea of La Tour Triangle dates back to 2008 when former Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoë first proposed the shimmering office tower as part of a broader vision to modernize the city’s skyline. At the time, Anne Hidalgo, who would later become Paris’s current mayor, served as Delanoë’s first deputy overseeing urban planning and architecture. Hidalgo’s involvement in the project set the stage for the tower’s eventual approval, though it would take years of negotiations and legal battles to overcome the various obstacles that delayed the project.
By July 2013, after many of these hurdles had been addressed, a site was cleared in the southwest corner of Paris, just inside the Périphérique—the city’s ring road. This location, relatively removed from Paris’s historic center, provided a suitable spot for such a controversial development, balancing the desire for urban modernization with a need to minimize disruption to the city’s more traditional landmarks.
While the project had its supporters, including those eager to bring Paris into a new era of contemporary architecture, it faced strong opposition from those who feared that La Tour Triangle would overshadow the historic character of the city. Nevertheless, after years of debate, the tower is now poised to become a significant new addition to the Paris skyline, reflecting the complex interplay between heritage and modernity in one of the world’s most iconic cities.
The construction is finally underway
After more than a decade of delays and debates, construction of La Tour Triangle is finally underway, backed by a formidable coalition of global stakeholders. The tower’s design was first conceptualized by the renowned Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron in 2006. Known for their innovative geometric facades, the architects have left their mark on some of the world’s most iconic buildings, from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Stadium to the Prada flagship store in Tokyo. Their design for La Tour Triangle promises to add another high-profile project to their impressive portfolio.
Overseeing the construction is Belgian contracting company BESIX, which has a reputation for tackling some of the most ambitious construction projects worldwide, including the Burj Khalifa in Dubai—the tallest building on the planet. Their experience with monumental projects lends confidence that the tower will rise without the additional setbacks that have plagued its planning stages.
Financial backing comes from a partnership between global developer Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) and French insurance giant AXA. URW is known for managing some of the world’s most luxurious retail spaces, further hinting that La Tour Triangle could also feature high-end commercial spaces, aligning with Paris’s image as a global center for culture and commerce. The total cost of the tower, pegged at $730 million, reflects the ambitious scale of the project and the high stakes for both the developers and the city.
With such powerful backing and expertise behind it, La Tour Triangle is no longer just an idea—it’s becoming a reality, albeit one that continues to spark passionate debates about the future of Paris’s skyline.
Mixed-Use Development and Sustainability
When La Tour Triangle was initially approved, it was hoped that the tower would be completed well before Paris hosted the Olympic Games in 2024. However, due to the years of delays and setbacks, the construction timeline has been pushed back, with the expected completion date now set for sometime in 2026.
Once finished, La Tour Triangle will be a multifaceted space that includes a range of amenities. The building will house a 4-star hotel (Radison Blu), a conference center, office spaces, a daycare center, a cultural center, a medical clinic, as well as shops and restaurants. Its multifunctional design reflects a modern approach to urban development, blending commercial, residential, and cultural spaces to create a dynamic environment.
In addition to its mix of uses, the project includes the creation of an 8000 m² public garden, which will act as a greenbelt between the tower and its neighboring complex, Le Parc des Expositions de la Porte de Versailles. This public park will offer a much-needed green space for both locals and visitors, contributing to the area’s appeal as a lively hub for leisure and business.
The developers of La Tour Triangle have shown flexibility in their approach, demonstrating the ability to convert office spaces into apartments if market demand shifts in the future. However, such a transformation may not be necessary anytime soon. Currently, Parisian office space is in high demand, driven by the city’s status as a global business hub. With many developers eager to meet this demand, La Tour Triangle’s office spaces are likely to remain a sought-after commodity for the foreseeable future.
La Tour Triangle is poised to become one of the defining architectural landmarks of Paris, especially as demand for office space continues to grow. The flexibility of the building’s design, along with its mixed-use potential, ensures that it remains adaptable to the ever-evolving needs of the city’s urban landscape. As Paris looks toward the future, La Tour Triangle stands as a symbol of both innovation and resilience in the face of complex urban development challenges.
