The University of Chicago, the City of Paris, the City Hall of the 13th arrondissement and Semapa have chosen the Icade project, designed by the Franco-American architectural duo Studio Gang and Parc Architectes for the realization of a mixed project of nearly 9,500 m², Best of Both.
In a single location overlooking the railway lines of the Gare d’Austerlitz, not far from the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BNF), this project will bring together the new Parisian centre of the University of Chicago (research centre, library, classrooms, auditorium and reception hall) and a residence of around 86 home ownership units.
Best of Both is part of the environmental approach taken by Semapa, the City of Paris and Icade: construction will make the most of the potential offered by the wood sector* and by naturally low-carbon and locally produced materials (stone from Île de France quarries). Terraces, green balconies, suspended gardens and rooftops with provide areas for biodiversity on every floor of the building. On the ground floor, the building will house approximately 950 sq.m. of local businesses and activities and will offer a commercial design centred around combining the cultures of Chicago and Paris.
Icade plans to start works during the 1st quarter of 2020 and to finish the university by the last quarter of 2021 (structural works) and the residential building during the 2nd quarter of 2022.
* 80% of the building’s structure will be made of wood.