?la samaritaine? was a large department store in paris, which once occupied four buildings at the heart of the french capital. situated between the louvre and notre-dame, the store?s various art nouveau and art deco structures closed for safety reasons in 2005. a decade later, work began on a renovation project ? led by japanese firm SANAA and édouard françois ? that would completely transform the complex. once complete in 2020, the site will include a department store, a 5-star 72 room-hotel, 96 social housing units, offices, and a children?s nursery.

all images © salem mostefaoui
 
 
with construction now well underway, photographer salem mostefaoui visited the site to document its current state. the redevelopment of la samaritaine involves the conversion of four buildings ? all owned by LVMH. at the center of the site are two art nouveau buildings completed by frantz jourdain in the early 1900s ? one topped with an impressive glass roof that shelters a five-storey atrium. bookending the site is an art deco extension realized by henri sauvage in 1928 and a grouping of residential buildings that date back to the 17th century.
SANAA has designed a rippling glass façade as part of the project
 
 
as part of the renovation, all of the site?s historic façades are being restored to their former glory. along the rue de l?arbre-sec, jourdain?s multi-colored enameled tiles, once hidden beneath a stone-colored wash, are gradually being revealed. the most eye-catching a...