Architect |
Jean Nouvel |
Date
Built |
1981 to 1987 |
Location |
Rue des
Fossés Saint
Bernard |
Description |
|
This
is apparently the building which brought
Jean Nouvel to prominence as
an architect and it was awarded the Aga Khan
Award for
Architecture. The side of the building
that faces the Seine
curves gently around the corner on to Quai
Saint-Bernard. Behind,
the huge glass wall is covered with a
metallic screen. A closer
look shows that this is much more than a
decorative facade. Each of the 240 panels of the screen contains a motor-controlled aperture which opens and closes to control the flow of light and heat into the building. The building is home to the "Institut du Monde Arabe" or "Arab World Institute" and houses a museum, library, auditorium, restaurant, and offices. The roof has a terrace that offers amazing views of the Ile de la Cité. |