DIAPHRAGM

Photo by my brother Marcel

The Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris has one of the most unique façade on its southern wing. The 11 storey win consists of 113 photosensitive panels that operate like a camera's diaphragm opening and closing to control the intensity of light in the interior.

The building is designed by Jean Nouvel. The design of the metal screens is based on the wooden wire fences of the Islamic architecture. It's very inspiring to see how this traditional form of architecture is transfomed into a modern outfit.

This center of Arab culture occupies a beautiful site on the left bank of the Seine, facing the Ile St-Louis from the riverside edge of the University of Paris. The building consists of a museum, a library, an auditorium, offices and meeting rooms assembled within two wings separated by a courtyard opening out toward the Cathedral of Notre-Dame.

The translucent marble façade of the seven-storey northern wing is elegantly curved to follow the sweep of the quay.

At the west end of this wing is the 100'000 volume library, a spiral tower of books behind a transparent wall of glass offering panoramic views.

The institut du Monde Arabe is built in the 80s in a cooperation between France and 19 Arab States with the aim to increase the cultural exchange between France and the Arab world.

Don't forget to go upstairs to the cafetaria at the 9th floor. From here you have splendid views at the Seine and the Ile de la Cité with the Notre Dame.

Enjoy,



HK