Paris: Why is this district’s town hall the only one featuring modern architecture?

The town hall of the 17th arrondissement of Paris stands out clearly from other city halls across the capital: built in the 1970s with a modern design, it’s the only Parisian arrondissement hall from the 20th century designed in a distinctly contemporary architectural style. But what’s the story behind this choice?

In Paris, most of the district town halls are housed in historic buildings, often dating back to the 19th century, with stone facades, sculpted pediments, and a sense of architectural grandeur. However, the one in the 17th arrondissement stands out: instead of a traditional façade, it features a simple, geometric silhouette characteristic of modern architecture from the 1970s.

Her simple, functional design, free of excessive ornamentation, immediately catches the eye: instead of colonnades or wrought-iron balconies, there are clean lines, wide openings, and contemporary materials.

Until the 1960s, the 19th arrondissement town hall was housed in a building constructed in 1849, showcasing a classic style typical of many Parisian structures from that era. However, over the years, the building's condition began to deteriorate.

A symbolic element captures the core issue: the bell tower, a small structure perched on the roof, was at risk of collapse. Faced with this danger, it was dismantled in 1952. This event marked a turning point: it became evident that the building was aging, poorly functional, and no longer suited the needs of a rapidly growing district.

Why do the town halls of Paris and its Île-de-France region often feature a bell tower or small tower on their rooftops?
Why do so many town halls across Paris and Île-de-France feature a bell tower or a small central steeple? Here's the story. [Read more]

Rather than restoring the old building, the city chooses a bold approach: demolishing the town hall to make way for a new, more modern and functional structure. This is an unusual decision for a capital city that typically preserves its historic public buildings.

The new town hall was entrusted to architects Albert Favre and Pierre Burc. Built between 1968 and 1972, it officially opened its doors in January 1973. Inside, visitors find marble, bronze accents, and modern furniture designed by Raphaël Raffel. More recently, between 2018 and 2022, the city hall underwent a partial transformation to include green elements, such as suspended planters and a rooftop terrace. These enhancements continue the building’s modern spirit while also addressing current environmental challenges.

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Paris: Why is this district town hall the only one featuring modern architecture?

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