Composed of a large aluminium- and glass-clad block and a stack of suspended glazed volumes, the new National Archives complex constructed by Bouygues Bâtiment Ile-de-France is a true architectural success. Open to researchers and to the general public, the site provides visitors with optimal conditions in which to study public records dating from the French Revolution onwards. The conservation of documents is ensured by sophisticated equipment that monitors humidity, air quality and temperature and detects any outbreak of fire.