La Défense gets a new tower at the forefront of modernity

The launch of The Link project comes as a symbol of the economic recovery needed after the health crisis. Announced by Groupama in June, the construction of the future headquarters of the Total group will give rise to the tallest tower ever built in La Défense. A project of significant scale to follow until its delivery scheduled for 2025.

A neighbourhood in constant evolution

It is important to first specify that the The Link pharaonic project comes in the context of progressive modernisation of the entire La Défense district. Over 15 years, no less than 650,000 m² has already been restructured, representing 70% of high-rise buildings. As most towers date from the 1970s, these operations are necessary to maintain the image of a neighbourhood at the cutting edge.

The public establishment Paris La Defence is also working on its attractiveness, with the installation of many spaces on the margins of work: parks, new restaurants, exhibition venues. Complementing the coworking and seminar spaces which are also in full development.

Finally, note that the Michelet quarter, which will host The Link, is on the way to being entirely redesigned to offer spaces more in line with modern life and smoother traffic flow. There is particular talk of better connecting it to the town of Puteaux. The developments are due to be completed by 2028.

An ambitious project

The Link was designed by PCA-Stream and will be built by Vinci Construction France. The lease in future completion state was signed on 14 March between Total and Groupama, which owns the site. A surface area of 120,000 m² is reserved by the oil giant within the property complex, to relocate the 6,000 employees currently installed in the Michelet and Coupole towers.

Pride of the Michelet quarter, The Link will exceed the First tower by 13 metres, the current tallest tower in La Défense. Resting on a three-level base, the two wings are called Arche, which will rise to 228 metres above the esplanade and comprise 50 floors, and Seine, standing at 165 metres for 35 floors.

Construction will begin in 2020 with the demolition of several buildings (including the GAN building). The foundations will be dug in 2021, before the project rises progressively at a rate of one floor per week.

A new vision of the business building

The two towers will be linked across 30 floors by vegetated bridges, to which the project name refers. Each of these “links” will create a single 3,000 m² floorplate comprising a suspended and open-air garden of 40 m². Open stairs will connect floors two by two, to obtain 6,000 m² duplexes allowing the creation of business units of 500 people.

The Link aims for the highest environmental certification (HQE Exceptionnel) thanks to enhanced energy performance and unparalleled thermal and acoustic comfort. For example, the photovoltaic facade will provide 25% of the electricity required for lighting and the workspaces will benefit from exemplary natural light.

Other notable points: a 600 m² belvedere park on the 36th floor will overlook the Seine and offer an unprecedented view of Paris. On the mobility side, a 350 m² bicycle parking area will be available in the basement, in place of the usual car parking.

The Link project embodies new construction standards reflecting the evolution of aspirations. More resilient to environmental challenges, incorporating a share of nature, it will certainly constitute a place where it will be good to work. And an example to follow!