Siège de la Documentation française, Government archive building in Aubervilliers, France
The Siège de la Documentation française is a former match factory complex on Henri-Barbusse Street, made up of metal structures and multicolored brick facades. The site now holds administrative offices while retaining industrial elements from its manufacturing past.
In 1900, the State Manufacturing Department launched a complete reconstruction of the factory site under engineer Guerquin's direction. This rebuild transformed the location into a major hub for national match production.
The name reflects the engineer who redesigned the site, and the place now blends old factory structures with modern government offices. This layering of eras is visible daily as workers move between historic brick walls and contemporary workspace.
The building is located at an easily accessible spot and can be viewed from the outside, with the architecture plainly visible. Visitors can explore the exterior grounds and photograph the industrial structure from different angles.
The site preserves the last unaltered chimney from the match manufacturing era of Paris, a rare relic of local industrial history. This chimney stands prominently among the transformed buildings, telling of past craftsmanship.
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