Banque De France
Competition won in 1993; and completed in 1997.
The brief required the insertion of offices, bank chambers and strong rooms into an existing heritage garden. Minimalist geometries were coupled with modern materials and a quest for transparency to take full advantage of the historical surroundings. The question of security is dealt with by the stratification of the site; the visitor has the impression of being in an open, accessible garden, yet is restricted entry at different levels. The bank chambers are in a broad, horizontal volume that permit a visual continuity of the front and rear gardens. The strong rooms and cash handling facilities are housed in a secure, semi-underground bunker-like complex capable of withstanding attack by military weapons.
George Yiontis in collaboration with Brunet Saunier Architects, Paris
Banque De France | Description | Index
Competition won in 1993; and completed in 1997.
The brief required the insertion of offices, bank chambers and strong rooms into an existing heritage garden. Minimalist geometries were coupled with modern materials and a quest for transparency to take full advantage of the historical surroundings. The question of security is dealt with by the stratification of the site; the visitor has the impression of being in an open, accessible garden, yet is restricted entry at different levels. The bank chambers are in a broad, horizontal volume that permit a visual continuity of the front and rear gardens. The strong rooms and cash handling facilities are housed in a secure, semi-underground bunker-like complex capable of withstanding attack by military weapons.
George Yiontis in collaboration with Brunet Saunier Architects, Paris