Terrasse 12's topographical location gives it a special place in the Terrasses de Nanterre sequence. It forms a “summit” between the Grande Arche and the Seine, which explains the steep slope separating it from Place Nelson Mandela.

The urban planners responded to this specificity by imagining a belvedere and setting up commercial premises accessible from Place Nelson Mandela.

In June 2014, “La Terrasse - Espace d'art de Nanterre” was inaugurated. This new municipal art gallery is designed to liven up the Terrasses district and decentralize the cultural offering. The aim is also to make it a convivial place where artistic disciplines can meet and access knowledge. The roof terrace can be used to display temporary works of art in the public space.

Since July 2015, a catering and leisure area has also been installed.

Fabrice Dusapin is a French architect and graduate of the École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Paris-Belleville. He founded the Dusapin Leclercq agency in 1996 with his partner, Marc Leclercq. Since its creation, the agency has worked on numerous prestigious projects in France and abroad, including the renovation of the Palais de Tokyo in Paris, the transformation of the Hôtel-Dieu in Lyon, and the design of several university campuses and office buildings.

Agence Dusapin Leclercq is renowned for its architectural expertise and its responsible, sensitive approach to building design. The agency strives to create architectural spaces that meet the needs of users while respecting the history and identity of the site.