Inauguration of Campuséa Montsouris, an innovative student residence hall open to contemporary art

The inauguration ceremony was notably attended by Bernard Michel, Gecina’s Chairman, Philippe Depoux, its Chief Executive Officer, Ian Brossat, Paris deputy mayor in charge of housing, Jérôme Coumet, Mayor of Paris’ 13th arrondissement, Arthur Toscan du Plantier, Advisor to Fleur Pellerin, Minister of Culture and Communication, Fabien Verschaere, artist, and Benoît Bolduc, Director of New York University Paris, this site’s tenant.

Campuséa Montsouris: an innovative redevelopment

Designed by Studio 9 Architecture, this residence hall in Paris’ 13th arrondissement needed 16 months of work. It has been fully let to an American university - New York University Paris – for housing 90 students in units ranging from studios to threebedroom apartments.

For Philippe Depoux, Gecina’s Chief Executive Officer: “This operation to convert an office building into a student residence hall represents an innovative response to the strong need for housing in the capital. A building can have several lives; we are working to realize this potential”.

Campuséa Montsouris: first residence hall to be awarded the “one building, one artwork” label

To further strengthen the residence’s identity and visual appeal, Gecina commissioned the artist Fabien Verschaere to create a fresco for its entrance hall. Gecina has had an innovative approach to deploying works of art within its portfolio for several years. To continue building on and confirm this commitment, Gecina has signed up to the “one building, one artwork” charter, launched in December 2015 by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication.

The Campuséa Montsouris residence is the first building in France to be awarded this “one building, one artwork” label.

As Bernard Michel, Gecina’s Chairman, confirms: “Gecina is a responsible group, with strong commitments to building sustainable cities. We have deployed long-term or temporary works of art in our properties from both
young talents and renowned artists, such as Fabien Verschaere. This award offers further recognition and encouragement to continue with our support for contemporary artistic creation”.

“One building, one artwork”: Ministry of Culture and Communication initiative supporting contemporary art

On December 16, 2015, in the presence and under the patronage of Fleur Pellerin, French Minister of Culture and Communication, 13 leading real estate industry operators – including Gecina - signed the “one building, one artwork” charter, with a commitment to commission or acquire one work of art from one artist for each of their building construction or renovation programs.
With this groundbreaking initiative, Fleur Pellerin and the charter’s signatories are clearly setting out their commitment to offering opportunities for as many people as possible to enjoy contact with art in their work or home lives.