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After ten years of unquelled anticipation, Foster + Partners' two-tower gateway to La Défense has conquered a major roadblock: Russian-born property developer Emin Iskenderov of Hermitage Group has received permission to demolish homes on the property and begin construction of the 320-metre-tall skyscrapers. In 2011, a judicial decision supported by residents of the subject homes prohibited demolition of the buildings. That ban has now been reversed following a meeting of the homeowners, who agreed to let the project move forward.
The Hermitage Plaza scheme embraces a mixed-use program of residences, offices, a hotel, and retail space. Serviced apartments are located on the upper floors for optimized views, while a public piazza on the ground is formed by the enclosure of the towers. A diagrid wraps the tower and highlights its unique proportions. The glazing panels function as self-shading devices — openable vents have the ability to draw fresh air inside, part of an environmental package that targets a BREEAM 'excellent' rating.
Four accessory buildings contain retail, offices, a gallery, and an auditorium. Like all recent developments in La Défense, the complex is built on a landscaped deck, with an existing road continuing to provide service underneath. If the demolition goes ahead this year, completion of the project is estimated for 2021.
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