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As the Paris Business District developed throughout the second half of the 20th century, the idea of building an iconic structure in La Defense emerged as early as 1969, with the 'Tête de La Défense' project or Head of La Défense. After several years of controversy regarding the project and delays caused by the 1973 oil crisis, the Johann Otto von Spreckelsen-designed Grande Arche de la Défense broke ground in 1985. Built on the Historical Axis running through the centre of Paris from The Louvre to the highrise precinct, the arch was conceived to act as a terminating view without permanently blocking it.
The edifice houses government offices on each side and has a height of 110.9 metres, a width of 106.9 metres, and a length of 112 metres. The void at its centre is large enough to fit Paris' iconic Cathedral Notre Dame, including its 90-metre spire. Due to the many subway, commuter train, and other tunnels located underneath, the 12 pillars supporting the arch could not be placed in a way to allow for the monument to be perfectly positioned at the centre of the view corridor created by the historical axis.
Built by Bouygues Construction and inaugurated on July 14, 1989, for the Bicentennial of the French Revolution, more than 2000 workers contributed to the construction of the monument. Unfortunately Danish architect Johann Otto von Spreckelsen died in March 1987 and never saw the Arch completed. 25 years after its completion, the concrete structure is currently being renovated. This €192 million facelift includes replacing the original Carrara marble panels and covering the building with granite slabs, as well as refurbishment of the interior office spaces. The operation should be complete by the end of 2016.
We will return next Friday with another comparison!
