Atelier des Territoires: Transforming the Office Stock by 2040
In 2025, Paris La Défense and government agencies co-led the Atelier des Territoires. This initiative, which brought together stakeholders from the district, resulted in a shared vision for the programmatic and urban development of La Défense through 2040. More than 450,000 m² of office space, deemed obsolete, could be transformed in the coming years.
Representatives from the government, local authorities, investors, businesses, economic and higher education stakeholders, as well as representatives from associations and residents, have met on several occasions since 2025 as part of the Atelier des Territoires. This collaboration has made it possible to establish a roadmap with a clear framework, accompanied by thematic, quantified, and spatially defined objectives, to develop the business district while preserving its identity as a leading economic hub.
Renewed appeal for a district that will remain a business hub
The plan aims to convert up to 450,000 square meters of office space into other uses, out of the estimated one million square meters of commercial space deemed obsolete. This approach is part of a controlled diversification strategy: by transforming nearly half of its office stock, the district will retain its primary purpose as a business hub while enhancing its appeal through the emergence of new uses and programs.
The roadmap also sets objectives regarding the renovation of office space at risk of obsolescence, as well as the adaptation and redevelopment of public spaces, to support the neighborhood’s transformation and enhance its appeal. The potential for programmatic diversification identified through this approach revolves around three ambitions that will be concretely implemented within the future framework plan for urban development and planning in La Défense, introduced by the law simplifying urban planning and housing regulations.
Strong ambitions to transform the business district
The roadmap notably outlines three key ambitions to transform the office stock and reinforce the district’s appeal.
Building a campus of knowledge and innovation
With nearly 70 schools and over 70,000 students across its territory, Paris La Défense is a recognized hub for higher education. The transformation plan aims to consolidate and amplify this momentum through the development of student housing and new spaces dedicated to higher education and innovation.
Paris La Défense thus plans to create 3,000 new high-end student housing units, as well as a potential 46,300 to 70,000 m² of new spaces dedicated to higher education, innovation, and student amenities to “create a campus atmosphere” (affordable dining options, student resource centers/learning centers, sports facilities, etc.).
Strengthening the “lifestyle district” dimension
The plan aims to continue transforming La Défense into a lifestyle district with new, diverse family housing and tailored residential offerings, reinforcing existing lifestyle hubs. These new residents and users will notably enable the diversification of everyday shops and services, ensuring continuous vibrancy in La Défense.
This focus could represent up to 3,000 diverse housing units, complemented by 5,000 to 10,000 m² of public facilities—depending on the scale of development—and up to 7,000 m² of additional commercial space. The plan also includes spaces dedicated to the social and solidarity economy (1,000 to 2,500 m²), specifically to meet the needs of local stakeholders.
Enhancing the metropolitan destination
With greater diversity, the neighborhood has become a true tourist, cultural, and leisure destination with events throughout the year, particularly at Paris La Défense Arena. To amplify this momentum and attract new audiences, the plan aims to strengthen La Défense’s hotel sector by pairing it with new cultural, event, and leisure offerings. The development of La Défense as a destination must also be based on highlighting its unique architectural and heritage identity, within the historic axis stretching from the Louvre to Nanterre.
This axis represents 3,200 to 15,000 m² dedicated to programs related to culture, events, and leisure, and 20,000 to 70,000 m² of additional hotel accommodations depending on the low- and high-end scenarios.
What is the Atelier des Territoires?
Proposed and funded by the Directorate General for Planning, Housing, and Nature, this government initiative aims to facilitate the development of shared and innovative strategies for local development and ecological transition. It is based on a collaborative approach that takes into account ongoing projects and local resources.
A multidisciplinary team supported Paris La Défense:
- Territorial Strategy / Urban Planning / Programming / Facilitation: Alphaville
- Mobility: RR&A
- Architecture: Azca
- Transitional Programming / Operational Implementation: Le Sens de la ville
- Notarial, Legal, and Regulatory Expertise: Cheuvreux
During the workshops, all stakeholders in the business district came together, including representatives from the government, local authorities, investors, businesses, economic actors, and higher education institutions, as well as representatives from associations and residents.
Economic bulletin #4 - february 2026
Learn everything you need to know about the neighborhood’s economic and real estate trends in just 5 minutes! On the agenda: the neighborhood’s transformation in the coming years, market trends for 2025, an overview of real estate projects, and much more!