From 12th December, Citroën’s Champs-Élysées showcase, C_42, will be transformed for a brand new season – offering the ultimate DS3 experience. In the same week, C_42 wins a prestigious World Architecture News award.

From this weekend, visitors to C_42 will be able to step into the sensory world of the eagerly anticipated Citroën DS3. On each of C_42’s six revolving platforms, individually created DS3s will be on display. Visitors will also be able to visualise their very own DS3 on a giant screen, experience the virtual feeling of being inside DS3 and even discover DS3 through taste.

Heading up to the Éclair Bar on the top floor, visitors can sample the specially created DS3 éclair – made by the acclaimed Fauchon patisserie – whilst enjoying stunning views of Paris through the C_42’s glass façade.

DS3 is the first model in Citroën’s new DS line and will be on sale in the UK in spring 2010. Designed for the cool urban individual, Citroën’s DS3 offers extensive levels of personalisation, together with distinctive styling.

During the same week, Citroën’s C_42 was chosen as winner of the World Architecture News, Commercial Sector, Award 2009. The C_42 – created by Manuelle Gautrand, one of France’s leading architects – was selected from a total of 163 entries. The judges were won over with the C_42’s equally beautiful and functional qualities. Gordon Carey, Chairman of careyjones architects and World Architecture News awards judge, commented, “This building meets the brief on every level and then exceeds itself. A world-class building and it will continue to be so for many centuries to come. Just extraordinary.”

Combining innovative architecture, compelling style and a bold approach to design, the C_42 – C for Citroën, 42 for the building number – embodies both the rich history and contemporary vision of the Marque. Incorporating a series of displays that are open to the public, the C_42 is located on a site that has been owned by Citroen for more than 80 years.

The bold, prominent design of the C_42 echoes the spirit of creativity and innovation that has always been such an integral part of Citroën’s philosophy, while further reflecting the style renaissance that the brand has undergone over the past few years.

Standing 30m high, the striking glass latticework exterior is dominated by soaring chevrons that assert the building’s Citroën identity. The complicated geometric glass and steel façade took five months to assemble and weighs an incredible 86 tonnes.

Visibility and light are both dominant themes of the C_42’s design. During the day, the glass-fronted face allows sunlight to pour into the showroom, enhancing the sense of space and highlighting the building’s reflective surfaces. By night the C_42 is illuminated in a play of light in the recognisable Citroën shades of white and red.

Providing the central focus to the building’s interior are six rotating turntables topped by mirrors – each featuring a different Citroën model – that rise up vertically through the building to create a spectacular column of cars.

An elevator carries visitors from the atrium to the top floor where they can enjoy superb views of some of Paris’ most recognised landmarks – like the Eiffel Tower and the Place de la Concorde. As visitors walk down from the top floor they can get closer to each of the exhibits, which will change in a series of planned, seasonal exhibitions.

World Architecture News is the first of a new generation of digital publishers offering a unique global news and comment channel dedicated to architects. The WAN Awards recognise excellence in architectural design. 2009 is the inaugural year for the Sector Awards (having run House of the Year for three years already) and over 600 projects have been submitted across 6 sectors. Those projects winning a WAN Award are considered to be among the best in the world and their architects among the premium top slice of architectural talent.