Valode & Pistre architects

Valode & Pistre Architectes is a much-awarded
international firm, founded in 1980 by the current
managing partners and long-standing friends, Denis
Valode and Jean Pistre. For these talented
practitioners, an architectural project is a social act
for both client and user, an act based upon continual
research and original ideas, an act of creation in
response to a specific programme and site.

One of the firm's strengths is its ability to transfer
ideas and innovations from one field to another,
examining essential concepts applicable to other
projects. Its preoccupations concern quality of
workspaces, relationships between new and old
(for rehabilitation projects), and the use of the latest
technologies (structures, building materials and
environmental controls). Valode & Pistre's frequent
participation in numerous national and
international competitions has led to innumerable
awards and critical acclaim for its work.

This book examines a number of projects in the
corporate, industrial, healthcare, retail, leisure,
educational, and cultural categories and includes
the Museum of Contemporary Art at Bordeaux, the
L'Oréal Factory at Aulnay sous Bois near Paris, the
Renault Technocentre, the Shell and Air France
Headquarters, the Leonardo da Vinci University at
La Défense, the Cours Saint-Emilion at Bercy in Paris
and the more recent T1 Tower at La Défense in
Paris. Each featured design is presented with
outstanding photography, insightful text and plans,
together presenting an in-depth view of the project.

A stimulating introductory interview with Messrs
Valode and Pistre provides an illuminating look
inside into the workings of a high profile,
international architectural firm.