Gensler strengthens its ambitions in Paris by signing a 360 m² lease at 151 boulevard Haussmann

The firm has been working on numerous projects in France for several years, building on strong and lasting client relationships with companies such as Equinix, JPMorgan Chase, Estée Lauder, BNP Paribas and Citigroup.

After experiencing exponential growth in the country throughout the pandemic, the new location will provide the studio with the flexibility and space to serve clients in France, Europe and around the world.

Eponymous after the name of Baron Haussmann, famous for having shaped the City of Light and making it the capital that we know today, Boulevard Haussmann, with its elegant facades and undoubted refinement, offers Gensler a prime location, proximity to its customers, partners and employees. Described as one of the most dynamic districts in Paris and stretching over two kilometers between the 8th and 9th arrondissements, Boulevard Haussmann places Gensler in the heart of Paris.

Last year, the Gensler Research Institute released the results of the Workplace Survey in France to understand how and where office workers want to work after the pandemic. The results indicated that after having experienced teleworking during the health crisis, most of the employees interviewed prefer to work face-to-face most of the week. However, they also see telecommuting as an asset to their professional life and hope to have the opportunity to continue. The value of the workplace is clear in the minds of employees in France; it should continue to be the backbone for most work-related activities.

Based on these findings, the new Paris office embodies the characteristics cited to promote the well-being of employees and their productivity. Typically Parisian, it symbolizes the idea of ​​a "home away from home" - and will offer the possibility for employees to shape their workspace as they wish, facilitating the transition to a hybrid way of working. Thanks to its high ceilings and natural light, the new address will offer employees a space that draws on all the elements they love about teleworking. The survey also found that office workers in France are open to different types of workplaces, but would like to move away from a fully open environment. As a result, the new premises were chosen for their naturally compartmentalized layout, offering spaces on a human scale and which provide an atmosphere of conviviality, an extension of one's own home.

Respect for the environment was a key factor in the choice of the location - no intervention was necessary to modify the space, which represents a considerably smaller carbon footprint. Gensler chose to focus on redesigning the space through the use of Atelier adaptive furniture. Designed by Gensler in collaboration with Fantoni, Atelier allows employees to define their own ecosystems fostering creativity, collaboration, focus and innovation. Thanks to its natural lightness, the elements can easily be reconfigured to meet the needs of each user. The space emphasizes the importance of collaboration, providing an ideal setting for impromptu meetings and discussions. It is also a place where concentration work has its place and adapts to the needs of its employees.

Philippe Paré, Chairman and CEO of Gensler Paris, declares: “France is emerging as one of our main markets and we are delighted to engage further in this region by opening an office with a dedicated team. We are a global company with a local mindset, which the choice of this address illustrates perfectly - a typical Parisian apartment. "
“Having recently obtained our registration with the National Council of the Order of Architects to practice in France, we continue to develop our network of partners and collaborators and look forward to offering a full range of design and architectural services since our new offices. "

Valérie Britay, Deputy Managing Director in charge of the Offices division at Gécina adds: “We are delighted to welcome Gensler to 151 Boulevard Haussmann in the heart of the Central Business District. This signature reflects our desire to support our clients in the development of their activities and to maintain a quality relationship with them over the long term through our service and relational brand YouFirst. "

In this transaction, Gensler was supported by the commercial real estate consultancy firm JLL.