BlaBlaCar

BlaBlaCar is THE french webstartup nowadays. Launched in 2009 by Frédéric Mazzella, it is the leading carsharing platform in Europe, with 10 million members across 14 countries and growing at an annual rate of 200%! They have the ambition to create the global long distance ride-sharing network for the world, and for that just raised a massive $100 million in what is the largest VC round in a French startup of all time.

TABISSO is proud to be part of the BlaBlaCar adventure and of their branding strategy. The installed project features BLA BLA BLA Typographia lounge chairs in their corporate colours, for a very impactful lobby at their parisian headquarter, 32 rue Blanche.

About the architectural project:

BlaBlaCar occupies three floors of a historical building totally revamped by architect Franck Hammoutène in 2012.

Sitting in the middle of Paris with a prime view on Montmartre, 32 Rue Blanche results in the rehabilitation of an old Galerie Lafayette warehouse built in 1910. Completely renovated, the uniqueness of the project lies in the huge glass chandelier that occupies the central part of the premises.

Inspired by a Spanish traditional headware, a broad mantle of 37 meters high made of thousands of glass lenses runs through the building at its center, from top to bottom. This monumental chandelier placed in the central patio rises from a tilted mirror of 15 meters in diameter, composed of lenticular mirrors. "I thought about this glass structure in the central patio as a mean to diffuse light deep into the floors, while still preserving the privacy of the residents", explains architect Franck Hammoutène. Reaching to the sky, the transparent "mantilla" opens up on the top of the building and unfolds on the rooftop. Another feature of this office building is its environment. Indeed, thanks to its central position, each window shows a different picture of the city. The best is left for the terrace dominating Paris, adopting relaxing green spaces for all users.