Architectural Walk in the Triangle d'Or of the 16th Arrondissement

Since the early 20th century, the 16th arrondissement of Paris has become a true architectural experimentation ground. Iconic figures such as Hector Guimard, Le Corbusier, and Robert Mallet-Stevens have left their mark on this district with creations that blend boldness and aesthetics. This walk invites you to discover some of the most remarkable works in the Triangle d'Or.

1. The Guimard Hotel
   To begin our walk in the 16th arrondissement, we must stop in front of the Guimard Hotel, a creation by Hector Guimard, a symbol of Art Nouveau and an architectural gem of Paris 16. Located at 122 Avenue Mozart, this private mansion, nestled in the heart of the 16th arrondissement, was built between 1909 and 1912. Guimard, an avant-garde architect, designed this building as both his architecture agency and his private residence, contributing to the unique architectural heritage of Paris 16.
   Occupying a 90 m² triangular plot, the Guimard Hotel stands out with its stone and brick-sculpted silhouette, a striking feature of the architectural landscape of the 16th arrondissement. The bulging windows and bow windows enhance the impression of volume and movement, recurring elements in Art Nouveau buildings in Paris 16. Inside, Guimard envisioned a total work of art, designing the interior and furniture himself, making this hotel a remarkable example of architectural innovation in the 16th arrondissement. The hotel's dining room, now preserved in the Petit Palais, reflects his attention to detail and his taste for the harmony of forms, a refinement that has left a lasting mark on Paris 16’s history.
   The architect left a legacy without successors, with a work both bold and unique. Unfortunately, after his death, the Guimard Hotel was transformed into apartments, but it remains a major example of Art Nouveau architecture in Paris’ 16th arrondissement.

2. The Roche and Jeanneret Houses
   Not far from there, at 8-10 Square du Docteur Blanche in the 16th arrondissement, stand the famous Roche and Jeanneret Houses, works by Le Corbusier and his cousin Pierre Jeanneret. Built in 1923 in Paris 16, these houses embody Purism, a revolutionary approach that deeply influenced modern architecture in the 16th arrondissement.
   La Roche House, designed for an art collector, features an L-shaped structure that integrates open spaces, offering a unique spatial experience in the heart of Paris 16. Jeanneret House, on the other hand, was designed to accommodate a family with children, following the tradition of family residences emblematic of the 16th arrondissement. What makes these two buildings particularly interesting in Paris 16’s architecture is their innovative concept of space. The garden, for example, is located at the top, while the living spaces are arranged beneath the roof terrace, redefining the concept of urban housing, typical of Le Corbusier’s innovations in the 16th arrondissement.
   Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2016, these houses are a testament to Le Corbusier’s lasting influence on modern architecture in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, offering a bold and functional vision of urban living that continues to fascinate today.

3. Rue Mallet-Stevens
   Continuing our exploration, we arrive at Rue Mallet-Stevens, a true hidden gem in the 16th arrondissement. Commissioned by a banker in 1924, this street was entirely designed by architect Robert Mallet-Stevens, a key figure in modern architecture in Paris 16. It is a 77-meter-long cul-de-sac, lined with five private mansions with cubist lines, resembling abstract sculptures, reflecting the avant-garde nature of the 16th arrondissement.
   This bold project in Paris 16 stands out with its white façades and black ironwork, offering a striking contrast with the more traditional urban landscape of the 16th arrondissement. The street, free of commercial activity, is a space for contemplation for lovers of modern architecture in Paris 16, inviting them to admire Mallet-Stevens’ creativity. Although the original urban furniture has disappeared and some buildings have been altered, the street remains an important testament to interwar modernism in the 16th arrondissement of Paris.

4. The Castel Béranger
   As we continue our walk through the 16th arrondissement, we arrive at the Castel Béranger, another major work by Hector Guimard, located at 14 Rue Jean-de-la-Fontaine, in the heart of Paris 16. Built between 1894 and 1898, this residential building is often considered one of the architect’s masterpieces and represents an iconic example of Art Nouveau in the 16th arrondissement.
   Initially conceived in a rationalist style, the project evolved after Guimard’s trip to Brussels, where he met Victor Horta. The façade of this building in Paris 16 is composed of millstone and brick, adorned with artistically crafted balconies. Every detail of this building in the 16th arrondissement is carefully thought out, from the grand entrance door to the floral motifs decorating the openings. Inside, Guimard created a unique atmosphere, incorporating furniture and decorative elements he designed himself, contributing to the originality of this building in Paris 16.
   The Castel Béranger perfectly illustrates Hector Guimard’s inventiveness and originality and reflects a time when architecture in the 16th arrondissement was conceived as a total work of art.

5. The Studio Building
   To conclude this walk through the 16th arrondissement, we head to the Studio Building, a landmark creation by architect Henri Sauvage, located in the heart of Paris 16. Built in the 1920s, this building perfectly embodies the transition between Art Nouveau and Art Deco, two movements that profoundly shaped the architectural landscape of the 16th arrondissement.
   Sauvage, ahead of his time, captured the spirit of modernity while offering a pioneering vision of housing in Paris 16. The Studio Building, a true architectural jewel of the 16th arrondissement, is a perfect example of successfully integrating architecture into its environment. The architect placed particular emphasis on the importance of natural light, creating airy and pleasant living spaces, ideal for the residents of this building in Paris 16.
   A pioneer in the use of new materials, Henri Sauvage designed luminous façades that give the building a contemporary appearance, while respecting the prestigious architectural heritage of the 16th arrondissement. Today, the Studio Building remains a shining testament to architectural innovation in Paris 16.

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