AL_A, led by Amanda Levete have been selected by Galeries Lafayette to transform the 'Cupola' building of their historical flagship located on Boulevard Haussmann in Paris, following a competition involving three of the world’s leading international architecture firms. AL_A’s appointment is part of the retailer's strategy to build the 'Department Store of the 21st Century', designed and conceptualised to offer a new shopping experience to its clients, with architecture as a key component.

AL_A was chosen for its bold proposal and intuitive conceptual approach that will create a visionary metamorphosis of the department store’s main building, relying on tradition and modernity. The remodelling of the 40,000 sqm store will start in early 2017.

Commenting on this announcement, Nicolas Houzé, CEO of Galeries Lafayette and BHV MARAIS, said: “We are delighted to start this collaboration with Amanda Levete and her team to conduct the reinvention of this iconic Cupola building, which is also the soul of the Galeries Lafayette brand. Amanda has demonstrated her talent for radical thinking and reimagining built heritage, and I am confident that her innovative vision will serve our ambition to offer to our clients the department store of the 21st century.”

"This store is an institution that has a special place in the life and identity of the city of Paris. Our commission is a fantastic opportunity to build on tradition to make a living contribution to the future of Galeries Lafayette and the cultural life of Paris. The exquisite craftsmanship of the original building and its location in the heart of Haussmann’s city are both elements we seek to celebrate as we move forward'' said Amanda Levete. 

Galeries Lafayette has commissioned world-renowned architects to design many parts of Galeries Lafayette in the last two years- A new flagship on the Champs-Élysées is being designed by the Danish firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and OMA is now working on a new art gallery for Galeries Lafayette Lumière in Paris. 

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