François Maes, Turnkey project manager

François Maes, Turnkey project manager:

You will be managing the renovation and extension of the Galeries Lafayette site in Bron. Does working in an existing building, as is the case here, entail any particular constraints?

Yes, but this necessarily implies a good knowledge of what already exists to ensure that it is compatible with the project to be carried out. The Bron site, for example, was built in 1964. It has undergone a number of transformations over the course of its life. One of the extensions to our project rises above a car park with 3 basement levels that was built in 2015. Taking into account the configuration of the site adds real structural complexity.

It may happen that the original plans have not been kept or do not show the latest modifications. We have to carry out various diagnostics and analyse the building in detail to understand its actual make-up before carrying out the planned work. Demolition and clearance work often brings surprises that you need to adapt to quickly.

But this complexity is also a source of motivation and satisfaction. Giving a building a new lease of life means creating value from what already exists. In 2026, this 26,000 m² site, with two banners, will become a 43,733 m² shopping centre, housing around seventy shops and a dozen restaurants.

Is it complicated to work on a site that maintains a commercial activity? What are the main difficulties you encounter and how do you deal with them?

Extending, restructuring and renovating an occupied site in a built-up area entails a number of constraints: keeping customers welcome and informed, ensuring public safety and the smooth running of the site, reducing nuisance (noise, dust and waste, site-related traffic, etc.) while maintaining the site’s progress. And when the project is phased, each new stage requires special organisation. Ensuring the smooth running of the site therefore requires a high level of commitment from the teams, particularly in terms of works supervision, but also close cooperation and coordination with the operator. Listening, anticipating and communicating are essential. Our daily presence on site means we can quickly identify any problems and take the necessary corrective action.

Particular attention is paid to the customer journey, flow management and site communication to maintain visitor numbers and avoid disrupting customers.

Site installation plans take account of logistics flows and commercial activity.

Because the site is on such a steep slope, fencing is not enough to conceal the site: cleanliness is therefore essential.

We adapt our working hours to limit noise pollution. Recording beacons inside and around the building allow us to monitor noise levels objectively.

Does the project have a specific environmental dimension?

The project addresses ecological and environmental issues. It is also aiming for BREEAM Very Good certification.

Although we are starting with an existing building, we are obviously working to improve the site’s energy performance. We are reinforcing the insulation and installing new technical installations (heating/lighting, etc.) that meet today’s requirements.

Rainwater management has been rethought, with on-site infiltration basins limiting the impact on existing public networks.

We are increasing the amount of vegetated surface area, helping to improve the quality of life as well as reducing the amount of impermeable soil.

Lastly, we are taking a virtuous approach to the recovery and reuse of materials, with a view to reducing waste and promoting circularity.

What is the added value of BEG Ingénierie for these complex projects?

Our expertise and experience. The multi-disciplinary skills of our integrated design office enable us to master the specific features of such projects.

We are regularly asked to work on existing and active sites. BEG Ingénierie has developed genuine expertise in this field, both as a prime contractor and on a turnkey basis.

In the commercial sector, we have worked with numerous clients on complex renovation, extension and conversion projects. Our expertise in sensitive environments means we can provide technical and organisational solutions tailored to each context.

What is it you like about BEG Ingénierie?

First and foremost, the diversity of the projects and assignments I undertake. In 16 years, I’ve never felt routine. I started out as a project manager and now work on turnkey projects.

I particularly enjoy being involved at every stage of the project, from design to implementation, working with a variety of people and different teams on each assignment. Relationships are an important aspect of a successful project, and BEG Ingénierie is a company on a human scale that offers a wealth of human and technical resources.