Jean Nouvel is a French architect who has designed and constructed some of the most famous edifices on a worldwide scale, from Tokyo to Minneapolis. He was recently awarded the Pritzker prize, a prestigous award presented by the Hyatt Foundation and given to a living architect. Often compared to fellow ‘modernist’ French architect Le Courbusier, Nouvel clearly separates his distinct style from his predecessor. Nouvel may use traditional ideas, but goes into each project with no preconceived ideas.
The first visit will be to the Institut du Monde Arabe (Arab World Institute), which was completed in 1987. Used to house Franco-Arab art collections, the building itself is very unique, with its 240 motor controled windows, that open and close in order to keep in or let out light, and hallways of mirrors.
With the use of a car, we will then make way towards the Fondation Cartier, which was completed in 1994. The use of screens and light gives the building a transparent feel, as trees are visible behind the glass barrier. The main concept is to blur the ideas of outside and inside by merging the two together—everything is visible regardless of where one stands.
This walk will end with a dinner at the Musee de Quai Branly, a magnificient yet controversial building, which incorporates the main themes of light, shadow, and transparency always used by Nouvel. Michael Herrman, who was part of the architecture team who designed and constructed the restaurant at the museum, will discuss the buildings importance, and more importantly, its design.
Depending on time and interest, we can arrange for you to have dinner at the restaurant located in the Musee du Quai Branly. The cost for a preset menu is 95 euros. If you are interested in the dinner option, please specify in the special requests box, so that reservations can be made.
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