The first demolition-reconstruction project under the Plan de Renouveau, the Carpe Diem tower replaces a building constructed for France Télécom in 1982. Although the result of a Franco-American collaboration, the building is no exception to the rule of construction dominant in Europe. Its concrete structure is clad in clear glass.

The division of the façade into dihedrals, which gives the building its rhythm and variety, is in line with the research Robert Stern has been carrying out for several years. Its architecture is articulated around two faces: the “diamond-point” north and south facades mark a strong aesthetic gesture thanks to the multiple facets of glass that reflect the light, while the east and west facades are smooth and soft. The treatment of the first floor, rather sober at slab level, is deliberately accentuated on the boulevard side, giving the tower a different urbanity from that of the 1960s.

Carpe Diem is a 38-storey office tower with a total surface area of 44,000 m², including 400 m² of retail space, and a height of 162 metres.

The project is based on a strong commitment to environmental quality. The Carpe Diem tower has been awarded the Very High Energy Performance label (THPE 2005) and dual HQE certification, issued by the CSTB (Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment), on the one hand, and “Leed Platinum” certification, issued by the U.S. Green Building Council, on the other.

In addition to its architectural and environmental quality, the Carpe Diem tower is also an urban landmark, designed to open up to the city. A monumental staircase links the La Défense esplanade to the boulevard Circulaire, which is treated as an urban boulevard.

After demolition of the France Télécom building, the foundation stone was laid on March 14, 2011. On February 15, 2012, the tower was awarded an Immoweek Pierre d'Or.

The tower was inaugurated on September 17, 2013.

A leading figure in American postmodernism, Robert Stern (1939) opened his own studio in 1969. At the time, he was both a critic, dismantling the system of the modern movement, and a master builder, reintroducing elements of classical American style. Accustomed to colorful creations, he nevertheless delivered the Carpe Diem tower, not without adding his personal touch of a dihedral façade.

SRA Architectes was founded in 1996 by Jean Rouit, Hervé Metge and Clémence Fiant-Saubot - daughter of Rouit's former employer, Roger Saubot. The firm quickly specialized in large-scale projects, working with some of the world's leading architects.

At La Défense, the firm teamed up with its American counterpart, Kohn Pedersen Fox, for the refurbishment of the Logica (former EDF-GDF tower) and First (former UAP tower) towers, as well as for the construction of the Dexia tower, in 2005. SRA Architectes is also involved in projects for the Défense Plaza building, the Carpe Diem tower and the Phare tower (project abandoned in 2015).