MurMure is a project centered on the creation of a large-scale complex dedicated to sound-related professions. While radically redefining the purpose of the space, the transformation of this former electrical transformer station remains respectful of its heritage.
Built in 1929, this substation in the Nation district features a reinforced concrete post-and-beam structure, crossed by an impressive central nave illuminated by zenithal natural light. The MurMure project preserves the majority of the existing structure (vertical supports and concrete floors), along with the building’s notable heritage elements, such as steel-framed windows and intricate ironwork. On the façade, restoration work will reveal the original polychrome materials.
A key feature of the site, the central nave—24 meters in height—becomes the heart of the project. It is envisioned as an interior street, serving as both a transitional soundscape between lower levels and upper floors, and a gathering space. The upper levels will house offices dedicated to sound-related professions, while the two newly constructed basement levels, visible from the ground floor through a glass ceiling, will host professional-grade recording studios, including a large volume suitable for a symphony orchestra, as well as rooms for smaller ensembles. Finally, as a serene finishing touch, a suspended garden will crown the building, providing a tranquil rooftop retreat.The project is a winner of the Réinventer Paris 2 competition.
