A controversial plan to construct a new reception pavilion for the National Assembly in Paris has ignited significant opposition, drawing nearly 100,000 signatures on a petition against the project. The proposal, championed by National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet, aims to replace the existing 1888 stone pavilion with a contemporary glass structure intended to house a shop, cafeteria, and educational spaces.
The association Sites & Monuments, which specializes in heritage defense, is leading the charge against the project. Julien Lacaze, president of Sites & Monuments, explained that the new building would disrupt the historical symmetry of the Seine embankments, introduce a large quantity of glass into an ensemble dominated by stone, and undermine the architectural unity of the UNESCO World Heritage site. "The problem is that this building would break that symmetry and introduce a large quantity of new material, namely glass," Lacaze stated.
Lacaze further lamented the potential destruction of a historic building, emphasizing that such demolition and replacement with a disharmonious structure is irreversible. He argued that alternative solutions exist, such as a proposal by the Pritzker Prize-winning firm SANAA, which suggested retaining the 1888 pavilion and adding a contemporary stone extension. This alternative, he believes, would meet the Assembly's functional needs without drastically altering the architectural landscape.
Beyond aesthetic and historical concerns, the project's estimated budget of €52.8 million has also drawn criticism. Lacaze described the cost as excessive, particularly given current budgetary constraints, and questioned the expenditure on a building with amenities like a shop and cafeteria, even if self-financed by the National Assembly. "It is the French people's money. At a time when people are being asked to tighten their belts, spending 53 million euros on a building with a shop and a cafeteria is questionable," he said.
The handling of the project has also been a point of contention. Lacaze noted a lack of information for nearly a year after the initial competition. He also pointed to a planning application that was reportedly submitted in contradiction with the Preservation and Enhancement Plan (PSMV) for the 7th arrondissement, citing issues with the building's height, footprint, and impact on heritage gardens. This initial permit was allegedly withdrawn, leading to a targeted amendment of the PSMV to align the project with planning rules.
Braun-Pivet, who has driven the project since 2025, is accused by Lacaze of seeking to leave her mark with an architectural statement symbolizing transparency. "What you can criticise [Yaël Braun-Pivet] for is not a lack of architectural culture. It is not listening," Lacaze commented. When contacted by Franceinfo, Braun-Pivet stated she was "overwhelmed by criticism of a project people do not know."
The Sites & Monuments association has garnered support from various political figures, including members of Les Républicains and La France insoumise, as well as former presidential candidate Ségolène Royal. The petition, launched over a year ago on Change.org, has gained significant traction recently, nearing 100,000 signatures.
Paris City Hall stated that the project, aimed at modernizing reception facilities at the Palais-Bourbon, would undergo a planning application review by the state, with the City acting in an advisory capacity. However, Lacaze refuted this, claiming the City of Paris had already approved the necessary amendment to the PSMV on July 16th, thus supporting the project. "Emmanuel Grégoire is taking up the cause for the project. Despite strong opposition, the City of Paris has given its approval," he asserted.
Lacaze also believes the project has governmental backing, noting that the request to amend the PSMV originated from the regional prefect and Paris police prefect, suggesting support from the Ministry of Culture. Sites & Monuments plans to continue collecting signatures, participate in the public inquiry for the PSMV amendment, and pursue legal challenges against any future planning permission. "If this building is constructed, it will be a sign of the lack of sensitivity, the obstinacy and the outsized egos of some of our leaders in Paris," Lacaze concluded.
