Institute for the Arab World in Paris - SKETCHLINE

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1981 - 1987

Institute for the Arab World in Paris

author

Jean Nouvel

description

  1. A subtle combination of historical tradition and the latest achievements;
  2. The building is subject to the urban planning situation;
  3. Two blocks of different nature form the body of the structure;
  4. The block facing the embankment has a knife outline in plan. Its façade is hidden under a uniform mesh of blinds;
  5. The southern facade is the main feature of this structure. It faces the courtyard and is assembled from 240 ornamental aluminum squares, the motif of which resembles the traditional wooden lattice “mushrabi”.
  6. Square holes formed from computer controlled titanium diaphragms respond to changes in sunlight. Accordingly, the overall design of the facade is in constant flux.