Our values
Approach
Approach
As we craft our projects, we take a holistic approach to architecture and believe that being an architect requires a particular attitude to fully support projects stakeholders throughout the process - from design to completion.
The SRA team on the top of the Alto Tower, La Défense (2019)
As we craft our projects, we take a holistic approach to architecture and believe that being an architect requires a particular attitude to fully support projects stakeholders throughout the process - from design to completion. As a major player in the French architectural landscape, we have been designing and creating exceptional projects for over thirty years. Our most recent projects include the refurbishment of Samaritaine (Le Monde newspaper’s head office), Maison de la Radio and the First tower. We are driven by finding solutions to environmental issues, by making cities easier to live in and by technical and technological innovation. We believe that when we create a physical project, we also create history. The buildings that we design have pure lines and are fully in keeping with their physical and natural environment.
The construction site of La Samaritaine (2019)
We work across four complementary departments, all of which may be involved in the same architectural project: LAB, ARCHITECTURE, ASSOCIATION and MOEX.
LAB is dedicated to design, research and exploration with the aim of generating innovative architectural concepts.
ARCHITECTURE and ASSOCIATION form the traditional heart of the practice; this is where we develop projects from design through to completion. The first involves us alone, whereas the second works collaboratively, particularly in support of international teams in designing and carrying out exceptional projects.
Lastly, MOEX, which is the result of our vast experience in managing complex developments, focuses on project and site management.
This organisational structure makes the most of our internal resources, from the most innovative designers to our most experienced technical directors.
Technical expertise
Building of the Tower First, La Défense (2011)
With over 30 years’ experience in high-rise buildings, we have acquired the full range of skills required for developing and building highly complex projects. Maintaining communication between all project stakeholders is key to the successful completion of every single development. Another key component is our MOEX department which takes care of project and site management to complement our architectural instructions. Our expertise gives us an overall view in supporting clients from the initial planning stage through to handing over the completed building. Our in-depth appreciation of projects allows us to maintain the utmost control over budgets, planning and the quality of service delivery during the construction phase.
The gardens of Challenger, headquarters of Bouygues Construction (2008)
Alert to the climate emergency and the targets the building industry needs to meet by 2050, we ensure that an environmental approach is taken from the very start of the design process. Rather than simply taking a quantitative approach, often using technical means and securing certifications, such as HQE, BREAAM, LEED, WELL, we also take a qualitative approach. We therefore adopt a smarter approach from the architectural design stage of our projects considering the environmental climate, building orientation, natural ventilation, materials and their use as well as limited-impact construction and sites.
We are also able to help clients create technical experimental evaluation reports (ATEx - Appréciation Technique d’Expérimentation). Created by the Technical and Scientific Building Centre (CSBT) to facilitate the consideration of innovation in construction, ATEx is a technical evaluation procedure, developed by a group of experts, for all types of buildings, procedures and facilities that are not subject to a Technical Notice (ATec - Avis Technique). This is particularly helpful in validating innovative architectural concepts.