MVRDV has been granted planning approval to overhaul a 1970s complex in Paris, which includes adding a new facade of colourful stacked boxes to an existing shopping centre.

The Rotterdam-based studio plans to renovate the shopping centre, offices, hotel, library and underground car park – which it describes as "an introverted and self-contained block" that "failed to adapt to the changing needs of an urban society". The firm also plans to add housing, a kindergarten and a conference centre, and improve pedestrian connections across the site.