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1: (about history) La Samaritaine evokes the Paris of the Second Empire, modernized by Baron Haussmann. The period marked the arrival of the first department stores. With clearly displayed, fixed prices, and the chance to wander through the store and try the clothes, La Samaritaine applied principles that shook the foundations of traditional retail. Its ideal location between the Louvre and Notre-Dame de Paris meant that the department store rose to the rank of architectural monument as an example of the perfect blend of Art Nouveau and Art Deco. It was founded by Ernest Cognacq (1839 Saint-Martin-de-R - 1928 Paris) and his wife Louise Jay (1838 Samoens - 1925 Paris) who worked in Le Bon March department store. Ernest Cognacq adopted the formula used by Boucicaut the founder of the Bon March, which was to, sell more to sell cheap and sell cheap to sell more! La Samaritaine had free entry and daily promotions, price-labeled items, and narrow profit margins. The instant success of the popular department stores that were created during the 19th century was a direct result of the French Revolution when it was stated that anyone had the right of selling products they had not manufactured. Then came the Industrial Revolution which triggered a massive consumption impulse and thus the development of shops selling cheap goods. Crowds flocked to La Samaritaine in hope of the "deal of the day" and the store quickly became the emblem of the Parisian department stores. In 2005, La Samaritaine, closed its doors after failing to meet safety codes, but it was also suspected to be because of the losses suffered by the department store since the 1970's, and luxury goods owner LVMH deciding the venture was no longer profitable enough. Parisians mourned this as a loss as it was of one of their favorite spots for shopping and drinking tea on the vast panoramic terrace. The only other panoramic terraces were at the Centre Pompidou, Printemps department store, or at the Institut du Monde Arabe, designed by Jean Nouvel. But none of which had the same views, or sense of place, as the Samaritaine did. SLIDE 2: (about architecture/design) Between 1903 and 1907, the work of La Samaritaine was taken on by the architect Frantz Jourdain, who applied an Art Nouveau aesthetic to the building. Further structural changes were completed in 1933 by Henri Sauvage who reworked the architecture to reflect the aesthetic principles of Art Deco style. The result was an eleven-story department store, one that is today considered a historical monument.

La Samaritaine is not a single building but a group of four buildings or parts erected at different periods over two blocks covering an area between the Rue de Rivoli and the Quai du Louvre. The two blocks are separated by the rue Baillet. The construction of the first part, a perfect illustration of Art Nouveau - the flamboyant style of the 1900s, was achieved in 1910. This building is often referred to as the Jourdain Building. The four-storey metal structure had a central hall surrounded by superimposed open galleries accessible by a cast iron grand staircase and topped by a glass roof with a carved and painted frieze. The beautiful Art Nouveau facade overlooking the rue de la Monnaie was created by Francis Jourdain, the son of the architect. Painted bright blue it is adorned with an elaborate decor consisting of metal volutes, mullion windows, arches, and polished and enameled lava panels with floral mosaics and inscriptions. This first part was enlarged between 1922 to 1928 by Henri Sauvage who produced the current Art Deco facade overlooking Quai du Louvre. The second part was built by the architect Francs Gourdin between 1904 and 1907 along the rue de la Monnaie and Rue de Rivoli. The solid and square light colour stone facade is framed with bronze painted woodwork and with balconies and canopies. It is free of any mosaic and is a perfect illustration Art Deco, the style of the era. La Samaritaine was enlarged for the last time in the early 1930's towards the rue de Rivoli. The ten-storey part three was built in the block bounded by the rues de Rivoli, du Pont-Neuf and Boucher. Part four was developed in a group of buildings built in the early 19th century and converted in offices, stores and workshops between 1889 and 1911. La Samaritaine was then taken over by the Renant Family who created the stores' iconic slogan: "On trouve tout la Samaritaine -which meant- One can find everything in La Samaritaine." La Samaritaine remained one of the iconic images of Paris during most of the 20th century, but began to irreversibly decline in the early 1970s as it failed to adapt to the evolution of modern society.

 SLIDE 3: (about place) La Samaritaine is a building that is located in the 1st district of Paris. The 1st district of Paris is one of the 20 (administrative districts) of the capital city of France. Situated principally on the right bank of the River Seine, it also includes the west end of the le de la Cit. The district is one of the oldest in Paris. It is the least populated of the city's districts and one of the smallest by area, a significant part of which is occupied by the Louvre Museum and the Tuileries Gardens. Much of the remainder of the district is dedicated to business and administration. It is also home to nearly 330 listed monuments and 14 museums. The high concentration of tourist sites and many foreign tourist offices turns it into one of the most visited districts of Paris, while the Tuileries, Louvre, Palais- Royal, Vert-Galant gardens turn it into the second greenest area of Paris. The Samaritaine is greatly favoured by the many Paris natives and visitors who enjoyed going there to shop, eat, and view the city. It was famous for its observation deck, where there was a circular diorama built into the round handrail, where you could identify all the landmarks in Paris- from 1933, offering breathtaking views of Paris from all angles. Located on the buildings rooftop, the observation deck appealed to many who enjoyed taking pictures of the city and its many attractions. The Samaritaine did not charge for access to its rooftop, which also included a caf where shoppers could eat and drink. Samaritaine is eleven stories high and is known for its elaborate glass interior and its staircases made of iron. The department store employed 750 people and was successful until the financial crisis of the 1990s. In 2001, the high-end goods producer LVMH bought the store. Many tourists who have previously visited the department store are to this day waiting for its return. There are ideas that the Samaritaine may be converted into a four-star hotel, a prospect that does not please the Parisians who greatly appreciate the department stores legacy. They hoped that the building will retain its old- fashioned charm while remaining accessible to all who wish to experience an amazing view of Paris.

 SLIDE 4: (about reconstruction) Now, Japanese architects SANAA are doing what looks like a stunning and sensitive renovation and restoration, blending the old and new. The architectural concept for the project expresses above all the ambition to restore the La Samaritaine, recognizing the significance of the building and the role the restoration will play in the revitalization of the neighborhood as a whole. By 2014, La Samaritaine should re-open, this time as a hybrid Art-Nouveau hotel with 80 rooms, shopping center, office and apartment complex. The facade is being fitted with new glass, and the inside entirely renovated. An initial draft proposed by the world's number one luxury was rejected by the city of Paris, which had held that the area devoted to housing was inadequate. After modifications, a second project had received the green light from elected in May 2011. The new Samaritaine will still spread over two blocks but will be pierced by internal courtyards to bring light to the various shops and offices and the rue Baillet will be transformed into gallery with a glass roof. The block of buildings located between the Rue de Rivoli and rue Baillet are not listed as Historical Monuments and will be entirely re-developed. An ultra modern building with and "undulating" glass facade overlooking the rue de Rivoli will accommodate traditional stores including food stalls. An area of 7000m2 dedicated to the creation of 95 housing that will accommodate 250 people, along with 21,000 m2 of office space will be developed at the rear. The section of the second block overlooking the rue Baillet will have a nursery with a capacity of 60 children, then more office space. And a department store and cultural exhibition space will be hosted under the historical glass roof (verrire) that will be recreated in its early twentieth century style. They will connect with a restaurant and its terrace.