The city hall of the 8th arrondissement in Paris comprises two main wings: the Cail Hotel, constructed between 1804 and 1871 and listed as a historical monument, and the Lisbon wing, built in a neo-classical style from 1926 to 1928.

The façades of the Lisbon wing are made of stone, similar to those of the Cail Hotel. However, the construction principle reflects the expertise of its time: the ribbed floorings and columns are cast with reinforced concrete.

The project involves creating a new reception area and offices for the ID service, as well as integrating the activities of the Jean d’Ormesson library within this newer wing.

These programs are respectively installed on the ground floor, on each side of the entrance porch, and upstairs in the former civil court, which is housed within a majestic volume.

The rearrangement of the building presents an opportunity to restore unity to these various spaces while imbuing them with an institutional character.

A multifunctional reception area on the ground floor offers visitors multiple community services, with these functions integrated into a single piece of furniture, allowing the large volume to remain cohesive and easily navigable.

Therefore, the project emphasizes the use of wood, echoing the woodwork found in the old courtroom, for the various furnishings and arrangements.

They are constructed from prefabricated modules, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly, and ensuring optimal ergonomics for both agents and visitors.

The mezzanine floor is converted to house the ID service within the city hall. It follows the same principles developed in the reception area, including a wooden floor that creates visual continuity among all public spaces.

Antonello da Messina - St Jerome in his study 1474-1475