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Oracle of DelphiThom Mayne: Architect for La Defense
January 16th 2007 00:41
A Thom Mayne design will form the centerpiece of an attempt by French authorities to revitalise La Defense, the unpopular commercial district on the western outskirts of Paris. Most well-known for the brawny Caltrans District 7 Headquarters in Los Angeles, Mayne beat out some of the hottest architects in the world for the job to design what will be the tallest office tower in France.
Controversially, Mayne’s “Phare Tower” is to be entirely covered by a diaphanous skin constructed from perforated stainless steel, an unusual feature that the American architect and provocateur described as an attempt to soften the brutal cityscape of the area while evoking the romantic spirit of Paris. “The sensuousness of Paris found its way into the project,” Mayne said, likening the design to a woman’s “layered dress or slip”.
Controversially, Mayne’s “Phare Tower” is to be entirely covered by a diaphanous skin constructed from perforated stainless steel, an unusual feature that the American architect and provocateur described as an attempt to soften the brutal cityscape of the area while evoking the romantic spirit of Paris. “The sensuousness of Paris found its way into the project,” Mayne said, likening the design to a woman’s “layered dress or slip”.
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