Arch of Defense
From WikiArquitectura - Buildings of the World
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[edit] Introduction
In 1982 the EPAD convened an international architectural Tête Défense, at which 424 architects from around the world were present. The future building would become a flagship in the historic hub of Paris, as the building of the Louvre or the Arc de Triomphe. The jury selected four projects, but only one managed to impose its strength, its simplicity and purity. The winner was an unknown architect: J. O. Von Spreckels.
[edit] Situation
The Arc of Defense is located in the district of La Defense, west of Paris and belongs to the communes of Courbevoie, Puteaux and Nanterre. It is one of the most important business districts in Europe, comparable to the City of London, and consists of a set of towers and skyscrapers, some of them belong to important national or global companies, others are used for residence.
The hanging gardens and sixty works of art make it a true open-air museum and a stroll greatly appreciated by the 300,000 people who live or work there. Currently, it is the largest business district in Europe.
[edit] Concept
Otto Von Spreckels devised this monumental arch of steel and glass responding to the idea of extending the historic hub, after beginning at the Louvre, extending through the Champs Elysees, past the Arc de Triomphe and reaching the Bridge of Neuilly to the outskirts Paris's intramural district.
[edit] Symbolism
La Defense and the Arc, at the top of a hill, symbolize the power and engineering of the French industry, always proud of their technological advances. But beyond the wealth and prosperity that it holds, the interesting thing is the apparent futility of Arc. Its originality seems an invention inhumane, but it is precisely in this inhumanity where lies its beauty. It puts the viewer in his biological insignificance.
[edit] Description
The hollow cube of the Grande Arch has 35 floors. It is designed as an independent megastructure with 100 meters to a side. Its 300,000 tons rest on twelve pillars. Interspersed among the pillars and megastructure are a series of neoprene pads are placed to absorb vibrations and changes in dimension. The exterior facades are covered with 2,800 opaque glass panels. The beams of concrete are 70 meters long and support the roof area of one hectare and were placed at 110 meters high with millimeter accuracy. The Grande Arch is slightly inclined (6.3 degrees) with respect to the axis of historical Paris, so you can appreciate its cubic volume.
The top contains a conference center and exhibition hall, a computer museum, a restaurant and also a view of the district of La Defense and west of Paris. These facilities are open to the public and are accessible by elevator. The elevators are glass and are located in the hollow part of the arc.
[edit] Materials
This slightly irregular cube - 112 meters high by 106 meters wide - is built in white and gray marble, concrete, aluminum and glass.
[edit] Drawings
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[edit] Construction Photos
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