Galerie Derouillon is a well-known arts haunt in the heart of Paris, and the gallery now has a new home to show off, courtesy of Saba Ghorbanalinejad, in collaboration with Iris Lacoudre Architecte. The emerging architect, part of the 2022 Wallpaper* Architects Directory, is behind this fresh reimagining of the interiors – including both art display areas and back-of-house spaces – which merges minimalist architecture and 21st-century functionality.
Working with the existing building’s bones and historical, loft-style nature, the architects crafted a plan for the redesign of different exhibition spaces, offices, and storage facilities for the gallery. The concept spans two levels and unites two distinct parts of the building, which both serve the gallery but in different ways, each having its own identity.
The architects explain: ‘These spaces respond to each other through their structure, comfort, light, and materials: one is supported by a fine metal structure, lit by a glass roof, covered by sharp and abstract materials; the other is a dimmed space, supported by large stone pillars and covered by more rough materials.' The presence of these two distinct spaces allows for different shows to co-exist, but also for different types of art to be displayed and varied responses to the pieces on display.
The architects designed clean, pared-down, light-coloured surfaces where needed for exhibits, matching original metal and stone columns with polished concrete floors or more lush, deep blue carpeted areas. Bespoke details and elements were also commissioned where needed – such as the custom-made raw steel furniture pieces in the storage areas.
Ghorbanalinejad leads a boutique studio based in Paris, working on a variety of projects, from commercial to residential, of all scales. The practice is always led by a sense of simplicity, fascinated by the impact of materials and textures on the final design.
For more to visit in the French capital see our suggestions for a Paris tour.
INFORMATION
-
Zaha Hadid Architects’ new project will be Miami’s priciest condoConstruction has commenced at The Delmore, an oceanfront condominium from the design firm founded by the late Zaha Hadid, ZHA
-
This Beirut design collective threads untold stories into upholstered antique furnitureBeirut-based Bokja opens a Notting Hill pop-up that's a temple to textiles, from upholstered furniture to embroidered cushions crafted by artisans (until 25 March 2025)
-
The Peninsula Hotels broadens its artistic horizons with Victoria and Albert Museum partnershipThe Peninsula Hotels and Victoria and Albert Museum announce a multi-year collaboration set to produce world-class art experiences around the world
-
Explore wood architecture, Paris' new timber tower and how to make sustainable construction look ‘iconic’A new timber tower brings wood architecture into sharp focus in Paris and highlights ways to craft buildings that are both sustainable and look great: we spoke to project architects LAN, and explore the genre through further examples
-
A transformed chalet by Studio Razavi redesigns an existing structure into a well-crafted Alpine retreatThis overhauled chalet in the French Alps blends traditional forms with a highly bespoke interior
-
La Grande Motte: touring the 20th-century modernist dream of a French paradise resortLa Grande Motte and its utopian modernist dreams, as seen through the lens of photographers Laurent Kronental and Charly Broyez, who spectacularly captured the 20th-century resort community in the south of France
-
Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain unveils plans for new Jean Nouvel buildingFondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain has plans for a new building in Paris, working with architect Jean Nouvel
-
Discover Tempe à Pailla, a lesser-known Eileen Gray gem nestled in the French RivieraTempe à Pailla is a modernist villa in the French Riviera brimming with history, originally designed by architect Eileen Gray and extended by late British painter Graham Sutherland
-
At Lee Ufan Arles, tension and calm guide relationships between space and artLee Ufan Arles opens in the south of France, a collaboration between the famed Korean artist and Japanese architect Tadao Ando
-
A new era: Centre Pompidou architects discuss their bold 2030 plansPlans for the Centre Pompidou 2030 vision were recently announced, revealing a design refresh of the iconic Paris structure; we caught up with its lead architects Moreau Kusunoki to hear more
-
The Grand Paris Express, Europe’s largest urban design project, is en route to successThe Grand Paris Express is a system of new rapid transit lines across the French capital, with each station designed by a different architect – and it's currently under construction
