More than 40 years have passed since the last skyscraper in Paris, the Tour Montparnasse, was built.
Earlier this month news spread that city officials have approved the construction of a 590-foot tower designed by Swiss practice Herzog & de Meuron, the creative minds behind Beijing’s Bird’s Nest for the 2008 Olympics and London’s Tate Modern museum. The design was originally rejected by the same committee in November 2014, Dezeen reports.
Herzog & de Meuron's scheme for the new addition to Paris’ skyline is a triangular tower with a trapezoid base made of glass. It is proposed for Paris’ 15th arrondissement, in the Porte de Versailles neighborhood. However, according to Dezeen, residents of the neighborhood criticized the building, saying it will overshadow them. Moreover, some politicians alleged that the design is unsustainable.
The project is backed by developer Unibail-Rodamco, and will include a 120-room hotel, 754,000 sf of office space, and cultural facilities, costing $720 million, News.com.au reports.
Pro-development mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo tweeted that she is “proud and happy that Triangle can be born in Paris.” She estimates 5,000 jobs will be created during construction, and an additional 5,000 jobs once the building is completed, planned for 2018.
Related Stories
High-rise Construction | Aug 11, 2015
Calatrava's Turning Torso wins CTBUH's 10 Year Award
The 623-foot, 57-story tower was the world's first twisting skyscraper. Completed in 2005, the building, designed by Santiago Calatrava, rotates 90 degrees along its height.
High-rise Construction | Aug 7, 2015
Tribute tower to cricket world champs will be Sri Lanka’s tallest
The 1996 Iconic Tower will be a tribute to the country’s cricket team, which won the World Cup in 1996.
Vertical Transportation | Aug 5, 2015
ThyssenKrupp’s maglev elevator test tower almost ready
The 761-foot concrete tower will enable the manufacturer to test its maglev elevator prototypes. The new elevators will be moved by magnets, allowing for vertical and horizontal movement of multiple cars in one shaft.
High-rise Construction | Aug 4, 2015
Construction of Vietnam’s tallest building commences in Ho Chi Minh City
A 1,509-foot skyscraper broke ground on the banks of the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
High-rise Construction | Jul 29, 2015
Jerusalem to get a high-rise pyramid by Daniel Libeskind
Are pyramids making a comeback? The city of Paris recently approved a triangle-shaped building that stirred controversy from residents. Now, the city of Jerusalem gave Libeskind's pyramid tower the go-ahead.
High-rise Construction | Jul 28, 2015
Work begins on KPF's 'flared silhouette' tower in Manhattan
The 62-story, 157-unit luxury condo tower widens at the 40th floor, resulting in a gently flared silhouette, accented by a sculpted crown.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2015
New York City changing zoning rules to reduce shadows cast by high rises
For decades, the New York City’s zoning rules have made it hard to construct high-rise buildings that seem airy and minimize the shadows they cast. The city planning department is now working to change that.
High-rise Construction | Jul 20, 2015
Morphosis' Casablanca Finance City tower to be topped with crown-shaped pinnacle
The tower will anchor a new business district being planned, similar to the glass and concrete business La Défense section at the outskirts of Paris.
High-rise Construction | Jul 15, 2015
Pelli Clarke Pelli's Wolf Point tower would be Chicago's fifth-tallest
Updated renderings from César Pelli's firm show a taller, slimmer design, possibly exceeding 1,000 feet.
High-rise Construction | Jul 15, 2015
Landmark status could delay Hancock Center renovations
Chicago officials have started to marshal documents to protect the tower against planned architectural changes.
