This project, designed by Studio MAAC, tackles the challenge of creating a modular hotel for the citizenM chain, balancing adaptation to a complex urban context with the preservation of its distinctive identity. It revolves around three key themes: integrating the module within a demanding geometry, establishing a dialogue with public space, and enhancing the building’s architectural, environmental, and symbolic value.

Located in Îlot Valmy, at the heart of La Défense, the project takes on special significance. In this iconic Paris district, architects are not directly chosen by clients but must be approved or appointed by a semi-public authority overseeing urban development. Being invited to design here is seen as a major professional recognition.

Facing the Paris La Défense Arena—designed by Pritzker Prize laureate Christian de Portzamparc—and near a residential building by Farshid Moussavi, the citizenM Paris-La Défense focuses on optimizing space around the bed. It adopts the Dutch concept of contiguous buildings, incorporating a “porous” king-size bed that frees up interior space and improves circulation. This idea guides the development of unique architectural volumes that intentionally depart from citizenM’s standard hotel typology.

The architecture is structured around three main gestures: one volume connects with the urban fabric, another hosts commercial space, and a third forms a compact block of rooms. Together, they deliver a design that emphasizes functionality, flexibility, and sustainability.

The project is organized around a bright central atrium, with a rooftop garden café offering privileged views toward the Grande Arche of La Défense.