The Canopy lights up the Forum des Halles in Paris

After five years of construction work, this gigantic leaf-shaped structure made from 18,000 scales of glass now crowns the Forum des Halles. Here’s a recap on one of the most important urban projects of the last few years.

Created and designed by architects Patrick Berger and Jacques Anziutti, this majestic glass structure is suspended above the Forum des Halles, which is itself also under restoration (work scheduled to finish in 2017). The surface area of this shopping centre will increase by 15,000m² with more than 35 new outlets bringing the total number of shops to 150.

The ambitious aim of the Forum des Halles

The long-term objective of the Forum des Halles is to become the second largest shopping centre in Europe in terms of visitor numbers, after the Quatre Temps centre in the La Défense district in Paris.

Access to the centre has been re-designed with the construction of several additional entrances, while the ceilings have been raised to improve natural light and circulation.

New types of shops

This transformation involves the creation of new types of shops, such as the new Lego store, the second in the Paris region (the other is located at Disneyland Paris). This 285m²-store is completely dedicated to this colourful brick toy, with tournaments and other entertainment regularly organised on site.The New Balance sports shop is also opening its first French store, while Nike and Sephora are both set to open a “flagship” store here.

Two French fashion labels, “L’Exception” and “Sept-Cinq”, will also open exclusive stores in the centre.

A centre for culture and leisure as well as shopping

UGC cinema will open an additional eight cinema screens, making this the largest complex of its kind in Europe.Food-lovers will enjoy the Causses delicatessen which is set to open in the Forum, while the centre will also pay tribute to French “art de vivre” with two new brasseries: chef Alain Ducasse’s new restaurant, “Le Champeaux”, and an urban café called “ZA” with an interior design by Philippe Starck.

Cultural centres such as a hip-hop centre, a musical conservatory and a library, all of which will open towards the end of the year, complete the picture.