In the very heart of the French capital, AXA's headquarters—masterfully reimagined by PCA-STREAM—presents a prime location that exemplifies evolving workplace practices. Here, flexibility and environmental stewardship coalesce in a considered intervention that articulates the office of tomorrow.

AXA's reimagined headquarters seamlessly integrates Ricardo Bofill's original 1990s vision with contemporary workplace design.

PCA-STREAM's thoughtful intervention balances architectural heritage with forward-thinking sustainability.

Work needn't be a burden—particularly when it’s possible within a beautiful environment that places the user at the very heart of its ethos. It is in Paris's 8th arrondissement that architectural practice PCA-STREAM, renowned for its diverse design portfolio, has completed the transformation of AXA's global headquarters. This project was a genuine challenge, particularly when engaging with an existing building dating from the 1990s and bearing the hallmarks of architect Ricardo Bofill. Bofill had originally conceived a complex spanning over 20,000 square metres, uniting an 18th-century hôtel particulier, two modernist structures, and a garden—a highly intricate undertaking which required considerable expertise to transform the existing fabric whilst adapting it to contemporary environmental concerns as well as taking its context and local regulations into consideration. PCA-STREAM has completed a project requiring exceptional architectural sensitivity and the result is nothing short of captivating.

The AXA headquarters unites disparate architectural periods—from an 18th-century hôtel particulier to Bofill's modernist additions—through PCA-STREAM's cohesive vision of contemporary workplace design.

Reimagined circulation routes and generous collaborative spaces transform previously fragmented layers.

Situated between Avenue Matignon and Rue Rabelais, the historic headquarters of the AXA Group encompasses the Hôtel de La Vaupalière—a listed 18th-century mansion—alongside two modernist structures and numerous contemporary extensions conceived by Ricardo Bofill. Consequently, several distinct layers of workplace architecture coexist without achieving true cohesion. PCA-STREAM has delivered a scheme in which all employees, partners, and clients feel at ease. The various architectural interventions encompass a comprehensive reimagining of horizontal and vertical circulation routes, as well as the introduction of numerous shared and collaborative spaces, a complete restructuring of the general workspace, as well as the addition of several terraces and rooftop amenities. The interior architecture and design of both workspaces and social areas was entrusted to Saguez & Partners.

Bespoke workstations featuring recycled textile worktops and height-adjustable mechanisms demonstrate AXA's commitment to both sustainable design and user wellbeing.

Collaborative zones are defined by soft hues while stimulating environments are enriched with vibrant colour palettes.

Traditional offices are yielding to more considered spaces better suited to quiet and concentrated work. With these new facilities, the era of conventional furniture has passed too. Instead, enter bespoke office furniture with more fluid forms and varied partitions and bookcases that enhance the spatial quality. Within each unit, every detail has been meticulously considered to address users' needs. Depending on the time of day and the demands of their tasks, occupants can work individually or collaboratively. A diverse palette of materials, textures, colours, and fabrics enriches a refined interior conceived for wellbeing.

Notable examples include Zenfeel acoustic panels fabricated from polyester fibre—entirely recyclable—or Kvadrat Soft Cells, upholstered in stretch fabrics. Meanwhile, height-adjustable desks enhance user comfort, worktops crafted from recycled fashion textiles underscore a timeless aesthetic that ensures comfort for all. Additionally, eco-conscious carpeting from ege, manufactured from recycled plastic bottles and fishing nets, reinforces the sustainable ethos.

Designing creative interiors formed a key requirement for AXA, which is why each area was studied individually. Consequently, for spaces demanding collaboration, the designers proposed soft hues, whilst for more stimulating work environments, vibrant colours were preferred. Furthermore, PCA-STREAM, Hauteur Libre, and Saguez & Partners combined their expertise to perfect the site's lighting scheme. Bespoke lighting tailored to each function were installed, for instance, ERCO luminaires accentuate materials and textures whilst creating multiple atmospheres. Echoing the interior design, the garden offers different typologies of space for informal work or meetings.

PCA-STREAM's transformation of AXA's Parisian headquarters demonstrates how historic architecture can be sensitively adapted to meet contemporary workplace needs.

Flexible workspace environments within the AXA complex feature bespoke furniture and sustainable materials, reflecting a commitment to both environmental responsibility and user-centred design.

“Reimagining a headquarters today means thoroughly investigating how we work today, how we interact, and how we collaborate. With AXA, we conceived a working environment capable of responding to the major workplace transitions currently underway: addressing climate change, evolving patterns of use, and shifting collaborative needs. The garden, situated at the heart of the site, embodies this vision: it regulates, inspires, and connects. It structures a new way of inhabiting offices—not as mere functional space, but as a shared, animated, and evolving environment," concludes Philippe Chiambaretta, founding architect of PCA-STREAM.

All pictures: AXA © Salem Mostefaoui pour PCA-STREAM

Originally written by Sipane Hoh, translated and slightly adapted by Helen Parton