Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The former headquarters of L-Humanity is an emblematic building designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer between 1987 and 1989 to house the French communist daily. Located in Saint-Denis (Seine-Saint-Denis), opposite the Basilica of Saint-Denis, it is located in a triangular plot between social housing and the protected perimeter of the Basilica. The project was born in 1985 when Roland Leroy, editor of the newspaper, sought to leave the Paris premises of Boulevard Poissonnière for a more suitable site. The choice of Saint-Denis is necessary, but the proximity of the basilica requires the endorsement of the Higher Commission of Historic Monuments. Niemeyer, who was asked, proposed a sketch in February 1987, imagining a Y-shaped building with fluid curves, respecting urban constraints while offering views of the basilica.

The construction was completed in 1989, and the newspaper settled on 25 March, before an official inauguration on 27 April. The facades and roofs are classified as historical monuments in 2007. However, financial difficulties are driving the company to sell the building in 2007 for EUR 15 million to a Swiss investor, before the French state finally acquires it in 2010 for EUR 12 million. After several aborted projects (sub-prefecture, university, digital school), the building is allocated in 2020 to Direccte (now Drieets), with a planned renovation from 2025 to 40 million euros, integrating cultural spaces for the city.

Architecturally, Niemeyer designs a curved concrete structure covered with a semi-reflective glass curtain wall, creating a dialogue between modernity and heritage. The lobby and roof terrace, open to the public, are part of the Saint-Denis project, the European Capital of Culture 2028. The building symbolizes both the industrial and media heritage of the Parisian suburbs and a late architectural audacity of the then 80-year-old Niemeyer.

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