FRM

Paris 7th // 750m^²

sectorHealth

The progress, spearhead of the Foundation for Medical Research.

Widely recognized by both the general public and the highest scientific circles, the Foundation for Medical Research (FRM) is a French organization dedicated to supporting medical research.

For over 75 years, it has been at the forefront of major scientific advancements, capable of revolutionizing the field of health tomorrow, both in France and internationally. In a context of constantly changing social and environmental factors, new lifestyles and consumption patterns have contributed to revealing new public health issues, in light of exposure to new pathogens. Research must therefore constantly redouble its efforts to address these new health challenges.

That's why FRM works to support progress by funding innovative and promising research projects, aimed at improving the effectiveness of treatments.

"The FRM is responsible for major scientific advancements, capable of revolutionizing the field of healthcare in the future."

Reconnecting scientific excellence to its DNA.

At the heart of the 7th arrondissement of Paris, nestled in a three-story Haussmannian mansion, FRM works daily for the health of tomorrow. A splendid 750 m2 building, just opposite the Hôtel Matignon, currently houses around fifty employees.

After 75 years of existence, it was time for the foundation to reclaim its identity and rethink its communication, starting with the redesign of its headquarters. Although prestigious, the premises notably lacked embodiment and were used without truly being inhabited.

"The ambition: enable the Foundation for Medical Research to invest in and reclaim its living space."

It was therefore essential for the FRM to fully invest in and reclaim its living space. Numerous closed and partitioned spaces were also not conducive to interactions and collective emulation.

At Factory, we are convinced that professional spaces should, before any aesthetic consideration, meet the needs of employees and facilitate daily work life. That's why it was essential to understand their usage patterns beforehand and precisely design their daily professional routine to provide an appropriate response.

Thus, in collaboration with the FRM teams, we conducted a study phase to gather key insights. The objective was to better understand the user journeys of the various areas of expertise in order to offer truly functional and more efficient workspaces, both individually and collectively.

Breaking down barriers between spaces and relationships.

The results of the survey formed the foundation of our recommendation: from space rearrangement to decoration, employee feedback shaped the design of a more open, friendlier, and more embodied workspace.

To enable the Foundation to take ownership of its headquarters, it was essential to infuse its identity codes into the premises, particularly by reinterpreting its graphic language. The decoration tones therefore draw on the foundation's color scheme, with shades of blue warmed by a powerful yellow. Touches of raw or recycled wood as well as vegetation enhance the warmth of the spaces; while the rounded edges of the logo give the place a soothing aura.

It was also important for the foundation's corporate culture to retain markers and reference points for employees. Factory's approach was therefore to renovate the space by rehabilitating and modernizing the charm of the Haussmann style without altering its essence. The existing richness of the building was thus enhanced through careful restoration of the original moldings and cornices of the building.

"The feelings of the employees shaped the design of a workspace that is more open, friendlier, but also more embodied."

Finally, to rebuild connections and encourage human interactions, the previously partitioned spaces were opened up into open-plan areas, and relaxation spaces were created.

Because providing productive spaces conducive to collective intelligence and innovation is a first key factor for success, we have deployed all our efforts to promote the free flow of employees throughout the premises. The second floor (R+2) has thus become the foundation's nerve center: a tea room and a fully equipped kitchen now encourage interaction between different floors in a dedicated space for relaxation and exchanges.

Nevertheless, closed spaces occasionally offer some islands of concentration, between more intimate meeting rooms and phone booths conducive to tranquility.

"The Future at Work is enabling employees to fully embrace their workplace every day."

This experience has been a fantastic opportunity for Factory. Firstly, because it allowed us to mobilize multidisciplinary experts to address the project's challenges and therefore deploy a wide range of our expertise. Finally, through the finesse and meticulousness required in restoring old buildings and the pleasure of working on this type of architecture.

Our greatest pride has been to succeed in our challenge with FRM employees: bringing to life our motto 'Future at Work' means enabling them to fully embrace their workplace every day. A living space designed by and for the employees, conducive to creativity, personal growth, and professional development.

Summary sheet

sectorHealth

area750m^²

placeParis 7th

delivery2023

Engaged Expertises

Workplace Strategy.
Architectural Concept.
Refurbishment.
Furniture and Decoration.

Data analysis for workspace optimization
The use of data analysis and tracking technologies to understand how workspaces are utilized, in order to optimize their layout, design, and features to meet the needs of employees.
Employee well-being and health
Initiatives focused on the physical and mental well-being of employees, such as relaxation areas, fitness facilities, health and wellness programs, flexible work schedules, and leave policies.
Open offices vs. closed offices
The company's approach to workspace design, whether it prioritizes open spaces to encourage collaboration and communication or individual closed offices to provide more privacy and concentration.

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