Chartier-Corbasson Transforms Paris Underground Passage into Public Restrooms
Architects repurpose a neglected 1937 tunnel near the Eiffel Tower into modern facilities.
1Revitalizing Historic Underground Spaces
Chartier-Corbasson Architectes has converted a long-neglected underground passage beneath the Trocadero Gardens into functional public restrooms. Originally designed for the 1937 Universal Exposition by Roger Lardat, the tunnel had served as a storage area for city cleaning services for decades. This project marks a significant step in the ongoing OnE masterplan.
2Part of Eiffel Tower Masterplan
The restroom project is a component of the OnE masterplan, a competition-winning scheme awarded in 2019 to Chartier-Corbasson Architectes and London studio Gustafson Porter + Bowman. This initiative aims to redevelop the public spaces and gardens surrounding the Eiffel Tower, integrating modern utility with the site's rich historical and architectural context.
3Preserving Historical Architectural Elements
The renovation highlights the tunnel's original design, including bush-hammered concrete openings and flint walls etched with graffiti by US soldiers during World War II. The architects carefully restored these features while introducing new Corten steel gates and custom-made glass blocks for the domed skylights, ensuring the structure's historical integrity remains visible.
4Material Contrast and Design Strategy
The design employs a clear material contrast, using stainless steel cubicles to highlight the raw texture of the original flint walls. By inserting these modern elements into existing curved niches, the architects achieved a functional layout without requiring structural expansion. Strategic artificial lighting further emphasizes the interplay between historical surfaces and contemporary materials.
5Off-site Construction and Efficiency
To minimize disruption in the high-traffic Trocadero Gardens, the majority of the project components were constructed off-site. This approach reduced on-site waste and allowed for a faster installation process. The project also introduced natural ventilation and stainless-steel gutters to manage water infiltration, ensuring the longevity of the subterranean facility in Paris.
6Elevating Utilitarian Urban Amenities
The studio emphasizes that the project transforms an invisible, neglected space into a dignified public amenity. By restoring form to a purely utilitarian area, the architects demonstrate how thoughtful design can elevate ordinary urban infrastructure. This approach serves as a model for integrating high-value services into busy, historically sensitive public environments.
7Recognition in Heritage Design
The project has been shortlisted in the Heritage project category of the Dezeen Awards 2026. This recognition underscores the architectural success of adapting a 1937 structure for modern use while respecting its original purpose. It reflects a growing trend in urban planning to prioritize the restoration of existing, underutilized city assets.
8Broader Trends in Public Toilets
This project joins a global movement of architects seeking to elevate public toilet design, similar to the 17 Tokyo Toilets or Studio Weave's stone-clad block in London. These initiatives prove that even the most basic public facilities can contribute positively to a city's collective memory and its overall urban design quality.