Istituto Marangoni, the celebrated Italian fashion and design school, has a new campus in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. Located at the intersection of rue de Lübeck and rue Boissière, the “Paris School of Fashion” was designed by Paris-based Clément Blanchet Architecture. The project involved the adaptive transformation of a 19th century building and the addition of a contemporary extension. This resulted in the construction of 1,500 square metres of new classrooms, auditoriums, meeting rooms, and office space, spanning five storeys.

Connecting old and new

Clément Blanchet Architecture’s renovation and reconfiguration of the historic building has preserved its essence while expanding it. The studio added a U-shaped extension that wraps around a secondary courtyard. This courtyard is enclosed to the north by an existing party wall. Working within the constraints of surrounding buildings, the design adheres to legal requirements for open spaces and sightlines. Connecting the new and renovated structures, the landscaped courtyard integrates greenery within a dense urban context, becoming an integral part of the Parisian cityscape.

Architecture that enhances creative potential

A suspended external staircase unifies different levels of the campus, its sculptural form creating a cohesive campus experience for students and faculty. Overlooking the courtyard, the staircase provides a hybrid space for quiet moments and chance encounters. The courtyard’s walkways serve as exhibition spaces, transforming this area into an open forum where students can showcase their work.

Clément Blanchet Architecture divided the extension’s rooftop into three distinct zones: an extensive (non-accessible) green roof that softens the building's profile, a series of accessible terraces that activate the outdoor space, and sloping roofs that echo the pitched forms of surrounding buildings.

The studio’s coherent design aims to transform the site’s limitations into opportunities for innovation, rather than being constrained by them. The design ensures each architectural element enhances creative potential, fostering exploration, communication, and openness. Classrooms, studios, offices, and meeting rooms are organised around the courtyard and circulation routes, adding to an open and active campus setting.

Architectural integration and environmental sustainability at Istituto Marangoni Paris

In contrast to the historic building’s architecture, the new volume has a strikingly modern material palette. The facade features a combination of corrugated steel panels, with subtle variations in tones of grey that complement the existing masonry. The panels are punctuated by full-height glass panels framed with slender metal mullions, maximising natural light and ventilation within an enclosed urban setting.

The project’s use of passive design strategies, green landscaping, rainwater harvesting, and a sensitive urban design approach all contribute to its overall environmental integrity.

The Istituto Marangoni Paris achieved BREEAM Excellent certification, alongside France’s HQE (Qualité Environnementale) and RE 2020 standards.

“More than just a place for learning, Istituto Marangoni Paris is an international showcase for fashion and the arts,” says Clément Blanchet Architecture. “The school's architecture amplifies interaction, synergy, and creativity across varied means of communication, including fabric, light, and movement.”