Imprimerie du Marais and Ateliers Saint-Lazare renovate French industrial classic

For the past three decades, Imprimerie du Marais (IdM) has been the go-to printing house for Paris' discerning brands, handling a variety of intricate projects, including offset-printed invitations for Dior's haute couture show and magazine production for Samuel Ross with unique printing techniques. As of June 2021, the company has relocated from its historical Marais district base to a new 1,500 sq m facility in Cité Griset, a 19th-century industrial complex in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. This new home, a former foundry and factory building, has been meticulously redesigned by the French architecture studio Ateliers Saint-Lazare (ASL). Mélody Maby-Przedborski, IdM’s communications director, refers to the new location as a “forgotten treasure.” The building, originally opened in 1825 by Antoine Griset, a renowned precious metal founder, was a purpose-built operation that included worker apartments and industrial spaces. After Griset moved in 1920, Cité Griset was segmented into various factories and workshops. IdM specifically took over a former cardboard box factory that necessitated a full structural overhaul. They commissioned Ateliers Saint-Lazare, co-founded by architect Antoine Ricardou, who is also a long-standing client of IdM. ASL, known for its comprehensive approach spanning branding, architecture, and interior design, has an impressive portfolio that includes prominent establishments such as the Merci concept store and Le Pigalle hotel in Paris, and the NoMad hotel in New York. Ricardou drew inspiration from IdM’s “audacious courage” in establishing a center of craftsmanship within central Paris. His vision was to create a contemporary creative factory that honored the building's historical roots while simultaneously looking to the future. Maby-Przedborski highlights Ricardou’s intention to restore the building’s manufacturing purpose, utilizing wood and glass extensively instead of steel. ASL designed and incorporated precise bespoke cabinetry, contrasted against pristine white walls and exposed ductwork, resulting in a bright, modern interpretation of a pre-war workshop that avoids mere imitation. The renovated building functions as a grand atelier, comprising eight interconnected workshops capable of handling a wide array of printing techniques, including lithography, foiling, embossing, four-color printing, letter pressing, and screen printing. This interconnectedness was a primary driver for the relocation, facilitating a seamless flow of work between different processes. Beyond its functional aspect, IdM’s new home also serves as a showcase for advanced printing and paper-based arts. A significant structural modification implemented by Ricardou was the introduction of a large, open staircase. This design not only connects the building’s three levels but also enhances natural light and provides a unique viewing platform, immediately immersing visitors in the dynamic energy of the workshops. The expanded space is designed to host live events and discussions exploring the intersection of art and craft. Crucially, the design emphasizes collaboration; IdM aims to provide a transparent environment where clients can observe the printing processes, grasp the capabilities, and engage in creative partnerships with the printers. This approach allows clients to be inspired by IdM’s expertise, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where ideas can evolve through interaction and observation. Surrounding the workshops, Ricardou designed a series of wood and glass offices, offering both views of the industrial activity and a comfortable, warm working environment. Maby-Przedborski notes that Ricardou successfully balanced industrial function with creative inspiration, aligning with the creative energy found in leading fashion, design, and music studios. The additional space also enables brands to document the workshops through videos, allowing them to share and promote their dedication to craftsmanship with a wider audience. IdM recognizes that in an increasingly digital world, printed materials have become critical tactile touchpoints, symbolizing craft, care, and materiality. This focus on the physical experience of print, especially evident in the performative nature of unboxing videos on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, highlights the enduring value of high-quality printing and packaging. IdM’s expertise is deeply rooted in Paris’s local economy, where luxury brands consider packaging and printed materials integral to their brand identity, demanding the same level of precision and artistry from their printers as from their seamstresses. Founded in 1971 by Charles Przedborski, IdM initially focused on books and stationery. His son, Jacky, joined 20 years later, steering the company toward creative experimentation, tackling complex commissions for leading fashion and luxury brands. IdM has since expanded its reach, establishing relationships with creative agencies and galleries globally, including an outpost in London and plans for expansion into the US. Maby-Przedborski emphasizes IdM’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, showcasing samples of unique materials like paper made with glucose (to attract bees), compostable wood fibers, seed-impregnated paper, and paper derived from powdered stone. The company also utilizes natural inks for screen-printing and upcyclable foils, offering new tactile and sensory experiences that enrich the printed product and align with modern environmental values. #ArchitectureRenovation #IndustrialDesign #ParisArchitecture #AteliersSaintLazare #ImprimerieDuMarais #PrintingIndustry #SustainableMaterials #Craftsmanship #InteriorDesign #ArchitectureRenovation #IndustrialDesign #ParisArchitecture #AteliersSaintLazare #ImprimerieDuMarais #PrintingIndustry #SustainableMaterials #Craftsmanship #InteriorDesign