Renovation of a listed building
FdMP architects is responsible for bringing new life to the spaces that are part of the Plaza’s exceptional ensemble. The project chosen after a demanding competition was unveiled to the public in October 2021. The jury, made up of architects, patrimony specialists, and key players in the world of cinema and culture, considered that FdMP had responded with brilliance and intelligence to the program of a new cultural center dedicated to cinema in all its forms.
The Spirit of Saugey
The project entitled “La Nuit Américaine” is driven by the ambition to rediscover and restore the original architectural substance through an in-depth study of Saugey’s archives.
New connections are being created between the different spaces and programmatic components of the future cultural centre, all linked to the historic cinema auditorium. The aim is to provide direct access between the public realm and each part of the programme — the cinema, exhibition spaces, brasserie, bookshop-boutique and ice-cream bar — while also enabling new internal pathways throughout the building.
The immersive space in the basement represents the major new addition to this multifunctional complex — one that Saugey himself would undoubtedly have approved of.
An Urban Beacon
The architects build on the idea of the Plaza as a public space through which the city flows. They propose a faithful restoration of the illuminated signage, thus respecting the urban style envisioned by Saugey.
One of the key strengths of the proposal is to open the cultural centre to the surrounding neighbourhood through a thoughtful layout of spaces, freely accessible both from Rue de Chantepoulet and Rue du Cendrier. The passage beneath the canopy is enhanced and once again becomes a true street running through the Plaza.
The exhibition spaces unfold along Rue du Cendrier and are also connected to the cinema auditorium and the immersive theatre.
The renovation of the Brasserie Europe, the true beating heart of the Plaza Centre Cinéma, holds a central place in the project. Thanks to its large picture window overlooking the crossroads and the charming Anglican church, the restaurant will also open onto a terrace above Rue de Chantepoulet.
The Bar-Glacier and the Plaza Cinema-Hotel complete this hospitality hub, each serving as a vibrant beating heart of the cultural centre.
FdMP’s architectural approach is based on three fundamental principles: restitution, which seeks to preserve as much as possible of the original historic fabric; restoration, aimed at repairing and revealing heritage elements; and renovation, bringing the modernity essential to the project. This approach allows this jewel of post-war modernist architecture to be reborn and to assert itself as one of Geneva’s cultural beacons of the 21st century.