îlot Saint-Germain

The îlot Saint-Germain housing project in Paris, France, is a successful example of urban renovation. The project transformed the former offices of the Ministry of the Armed Forces into 254 social housing units, a childcare center, a gymnasium, and a garden. Located in the 7th arrondissement, the site includes two interconnected blocks: an 18th-century stone building and a 1960s concrete-framed building. The project aimed to preserve the historic character of the buildings while providing modern, high-quality housing. The apartments are designed to be flexible and adaptable to contemporary living needs, with features such as loggias and outdoor spaces. The project was financed through a combination of low-interest government loans and the sale of part of the building to a Qatari investment fund. The îlot Saint-Germain complex is part of Paris's broader initiative to increase public housing, aiming for 30% of housing to be reserved for low-income residents by 2035. The project demonstrates how innovative urban planning and architectural design can create affordable, sustainable housing in densely populated cities.