Studio Gang has completed its first project in France with the opening of the University of Chicago’s John W. Boyer Center in Paris, located in the city’s vibrant 13th arrondissement. The new academic center, designed as a “vertical campus,” serves as a dynamic hub for scholarship, research, and cultural exchange. At the heart of the building is a multi-level atrium that ensures ample natural light and visual connectivity between spaces, fostering social interactions, collaborative opportunities, and integration with the city of Paris.
A key feature of the design is the building’s striking brise soleil façade, made up of around 900 cylindrical limestone batons. These stone elements filter light and provide privacy while creating an engaging visual texture. The design responds to the varying needs of the building’s programs—dense for private study and research areas, and more open for public spaces and events. The batons are crafted from Lutetian limestone, a material deeply connected to the history and architecture of Paris. This stone is also used on the University of Chicago’s main campus, further linking the two institutions.
Beyond its functional design, the building promotes a strong connection to its surroundings with outdoor spaces that include a courtyard, loggia, and terraces for study, rest, and socializing. These green areas also support local biodiversity and offer access to nature. Inside, nine classrooms, including a specialized laboratory, provide spaces for academic activities, while a research institute offers visiting scholars a place to work and collaborate.
The building’s location provides a direct link to the regional train station below, facilitating easy access for both University students and the local community. A newly commissioned public artwork by Tony Lewis further activates the streetscape, engaging passersby with the building’s lively atmosphere.
A highlight of the Center is the top-floor event space, which features a biodiverse rooftop garden and offers sweeping views of Paris. This flexible space can host intellectual events, cultural programs, and social gatherings, enhancing the building’s role as a center for intellectual exchange. Additionally, an amphitheater can be configured to accommodate lectures, conferences, or large classes.
Studio Gang’s design also incorporates several sustainable strategies to minimize the building's environmental impact. These include the use of mass timber for much of the structure, sourced from France and Austria, and locally quarried limestone for the façade. The vertical design promotes natural ventilation and improved air circulation, while the rooftop photovoltaic panels generate clean, renewable energy. The building is also connected to the district’s heating and cooling system, optimizing energy efficiency.
With a commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and academic excellence, the University of Chicago’s John W. Boyer Center in Paris sets a new standard for academic architecture that fosters connection, learning, and environmental stewardship.
