Located in Paris’s 18th arrondissement, the Ordener–Poissonniers site, once the rear depot of the Gare du Nord, was an isolated industrial enclave within the city. The project reinterprets this 3.7-hectare area by preserving its industrial heritage — including the former steam depot and workshops — and transforming it into a new cultural and culinary district open to residents and visitors.
Situated 6.5 meters below street level and adjacent to railway lines, the site required careful integration with the existing urban fabric while addressing noise, vibration, and accessibility challenges. The design preserves key historic structures and introduces new volumes — notably a food hall and a culinary school — organized around a central public garden.
The Culinary School shares its library, amphitheater, and kitchens with the community, turning the site into a lively hub for learning and exchange. By linking preservation with contemporary urban life, the project revives the industrial legacy of La Chapelle as a living piece of the city.
