HEC Paris Unveils €230M “Campus of the Future”

By Arvind Kumar

HEC Paris has announced its transformative “Campus of the Future” project, a monumental €230 million investment aimed at redefining its Jouy-en-Josas campus for the next fifty years. 

It is a comprehensive reinvention of the campus, aligned with the school’s mission: tackling the defining challenges of the 21st century through education, research, and action.

Set to break ground in late 2026 with completion anticipated by summer 2031, the project is a collaborative effort involving three renowned architecture firms. 

Strategic Pillars

The vision for the new campus is rooted in four strategic pillars:

  • Academic Excellence and Interdisciplinary Innovation:
    • Centralized faculty building fostering collaboration between management, humanities, engineering, and social sciences.
    • Purpose-built “living lab” spaces for experimental teaching and high-impact research.
    • Focus on actionable solutions through theory, experimentation, and cross-pollination of knowledge.
  • Transformational Human Experiences:
    • “Campus Heart” hub as a dynamic crossroads for 5,000+ students from 130+ nationalities.
    • World-class, flexible classrooms and living spaces balancing hybrid learning with essential human connection.
    • Design prioritizing meaningful exchanges and diverse individual journeys.
  • Inclusive Community Spirit:
    • Reimagined residences, cultural spaces, and sports facilities celebrating diversity and self-expression.
    • Dedicated zones for open debate, artistic creation, and civic engagement.
    • Fostering a resilient, supportive environment for personal growth and collective impact.
  • Sustainability & Natural Harmony:
    • Targeting BREEAM “Excellent”, BBCA Low Carbon, and BiodiverCity “Excellent” certifications.
    • Low-impact architecture enhancing the 800-hectare natural setting.
    • Expanded walking/cycling paths, permeable soils, gardens, and tree-covered zones for wellbeing.

This forward-thinking project is poised to solidify HEC Paris’s position as a world-class institution, providing an inspiring and sustainable environment for future generations of leaders.

Project at a Glance

  • Scope: 40,000 square meters built or renovated.
  • Architects: Snøhetta, NeM, Pierre-Antoine Gatier (ACMH), RF Studio.
  • Lead Contractor: Bouygues Construction.
  • Timeline: Construction starts late 2026; completion Summer 2031.
  • Key Areas:
    • The Campus Heart: Central hub with library, innovation labs, 850-seat auditorium, agora, dining, and leisure (connecting historic buildings).
    • The Château & Annexes: Rebuilt historic southern complex for global executive education.
    • Historic Academic Building: Fully renovated to highest international standards.

Leadership Vision

“This is more than construction – it’s a promise. A promise of a place where academic excellence, environmental responsibility, modernity, and openness converge to elevate ambitions and impact the world.” ~ Éloïc Peyrache, Dean, HEC Paris

“A once-in-50-years project reinforcing HEC’s global leadership and France’s appeal. We thank the Paris Île-de-France CCI and Yvelines Department for their decisive support.”~ Jean-Paul Agon, Chairman, HEC Paris Board

For more details on this exciting development, you can read the full announcement on the HEC Paris Official Website.

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