Allée de la Félicité

“A pathway to happiness?” you might wonder, glancing at the Allée de la Félicité. In 2024, this unique space, nestled within the revitalized Morland Mixité Capitale project, was christened with this hopeful name. But the story of Allée de la Félicité begins much earlier, intertwined with the ambitious “Réinventer Paris” project. Originally, the site housed the Préfecture de Paris, a 1960s concrete behemoth designed by Albert Laprade. The vision was to transform this bureaucratic monolith into a vibrant, mixed-use space. Architects David Chipperfield and CALQ Architecture embarked on a delicate dance of restoration and expansion, preserving the original structure while adding new elements. The Allée de la Félicité, a pedestrian walkway, winds through this reimagined space, connecting various components of the complex. Imagine strolling along the Allée de la Félicité, surrounded by a mix of housing, offices, a hotel, and even a youth hostel. The courtyard opens up before you, a breath of fresh air amidst the bustling city. Look closely at the architecture. The new buildings embrace a plinth-like structure, featuring arched arcades that play against the existing concrete columns. These arches are not just aesthetically pleasing. They serve a crucial structural role, counterbalancing the weight of the original building. Above, the rooftop bar and restaurant, designed by Studio Other Spaces (Olafur Eliasson and Sebastian Behmann), offer panoramic views of the city. Their artistic touch extends further, transforming the top two floors of the former Préfecture into an immersive art installation. The Allée de la Félicité embodies the spirit of “Réinventer Paris,” transforming a forgotten corner of the city into a dynamic and engaging space. It invites you to explore, to discover, and perhaps, to find your own pathway to happiness in the heart of Paris.