Les bâtiments de l'Imprimerie nationale

Abstract

"The buildings of the Imprimerie nationale", by Cécile Bertran-Humbert. At the end of the 19th century, the Imprimerie nationale was going through a crisis. Its manager Arthur Christian instituted its complete reorganization, laying the emphasis all at once on a rich tradition and a modernization of the printing process. Hence were erected the printing works in the rue de la Convention in Paris. The project was mainly designed by the chief architect, Alphonse Didelot, and his chief engineer, Léon Ribourt. The centre of the workshops consists of a large hall housing the rotary presses as a symbol of the modernization of the institution. Its metal works structure supporting shed roofs is surrounded by four workshop buildings. Brick facings form well-laid-out façades which are the visible part of the establishment. The Imprimerie nationale did not settle in its new premises until the 1920s, at the end of a lenghty yard which was widely discussed in the newspapers. The project remained uncompleted as the administrative premises which should have screened the factory had never been erected.