Les Mercuriales, known locally as Tours Mercuriales, are twin towers that stand as iconic sentinels in the suburb of Bagnolet, just on the periphery of Paris, France. These striking skyscrapers, completed in 1977, have become a landmark of the eastern Parisian skyline and offer a fascinating glimpse into both the architectural ambitions and urban development strategies of the late 20th century.
The story of Les Mercuriales begins with a grand vision. Conceived as part of a larger business district project intended to balance the economic activity concentrated in the west at La Défense, these towers were designed to be the centerpiece of a bustling commercial hub. However, the ambitious plan was abruptly halted by the oil crisis of the 1970s, leaving the towers standing somewhat isolated amidst the urban landscape.
Named Tour Levant (East Tower) and Tour Ponant (West Tower), these structures were designed by architects Serge Lana and Alfred H. Milh. Their design was notably inspired by the World Trade Center in New York, which is evident in their sleek, modernist aesthetic and towering presence.
Standing at 175 meters and 150 meters respectively, the East and West towers are the third tallest structures in the Seine-Saint-Denis department when measured without their antennas. The East Tower, with its antenna, reaches an impressive height, making it the tallest building in the area. The towers are constructed around a central reinforced concrete core that houses the elevators, staircases, and utility conduits, ensuring both structural integrity and fire safety.
The façade of the towers is a continuous curtain wall, supported by perimeter columns set back from the edge of the floor plates. This design choice not only maximizes natural light but also lends the buildings a lighter, more fluid appearance, which contrasts with their robust, industrial surroundings. The interior spaces are highly flexible, with modular office layouts that can be easily adapted to different needs, from closed offices to open-plan workspaces.
In recent years, Les Mercuriales have embarked on a new chapter. Following the departure of their long-term tenant, the agricultural social security organization MSA, in 2015, plans were set in motion to convert the towers into one of Europe's largest hotels. This ambitious project, driven by the vision of Bruno Ledoux and later taken over by Bain Capital in partnership with Hémisphère, aims to transform the towers into a mixed-use complex with one tower dedicated to offices and the other to hotel accommodations.
The proposed hotel will boast 1,600 rooms, catering primarily to an international clientele, particularly from Asia, thanks to its convenient access to both Roissy and Orly airports. The redevelopment plan also includes a public square with restaurants, a conference center, a fitness area, and ample parking, creating a vibrant urban space that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding community.
Les Mercuriales have not only been a focal point in the urban landscape but have also captured the imagination of artists and filmmakers. In 1995, the towers were famously scaled by French urban climber Alain Robert. The towers also served as the dramatic setting for a highline walk in 2011, an event documented in the film I Believe I Can Fly - Flight of the Frenchies by Sébastien Montaz-Rosset.
Additionally, the towers have been featured in various films and music projects. Virgil Vernier's film Mercuriales, released in 2014, draws inspiration from the atmosphere of the towers. They are also mentioned in the song L'enfant sur la banquette arrière from Bertrand Burgalat's 2017 album Les Choses qu'on ne peut dire à personne. More recently, the towers graced the cover of the 2023 album mercuriales_ by musical artists wasting shit and abel31.
Today, visitors to Les Mercuriales can explore the surrounding area and appreciate the towers' architectural significance. The central covered mall that connects the towers offers a glimpse into their original design as a bustling business hub. The nearby streets, bordered by Jean-Jaurès, Adélaïde-Lahaye, Sadi-Carnot, and avenue Gambetta, provide a mix of residential and commercial spaces that reflect the dynamic evolution of Bagnolet.
Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, an urban explorer, or simply curious about the stories these towers hold, Les Mercuriales stand as a testament to the changing tides of urban development and the enduring allure of visionary architecture. Their transformation from office towers to a mixed-use complex symbolizes the adaptability and resilience of modern urban spaces, making them a must-see landmark in the Parisian suburbs.
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