When I.M. Pei's Grand Louvre in Paris was first completed in 1989, it was denounced as a modernist insult to its historic location, the 800-year-old Grand Palais. But 27 years later, the 71-foot-tall glass pyramid has become as treasured as the artwork it houses. In an announcement today, the AIA announced the Grand Louvre - Phase I project as the 2017 Twenty-Five Year Award recipient.
The Twenty-Five Year Award distinguishes a building that has gracefully stood the test of time over the last 25-35 years. Chaired by LMN Architects' Mark Reddington, the 2017 jury selected the project that best “demonstrate[s] excellence in function, in the distinguished execution of its original program, and in the creative aspects of its statement by today’s standards.” The nine-person jury also included Adrian Smith, Timothy J. Johnson of NBBJ, and William Q. Sabatini.
The Grand Louvre was executed in two phases over the course of a decade. In Phase I, Pei built the pyramid and reorganized the museum around the central Cour Napoléon, transforming it from a parking lot into the public space it is today. One award juror noted the Grand Louvre as “an example of the prowess and legacy of I.M. Pei”. The project will be honored during the 2017 AIA National Convention in Orlando.
Previously on Archinect:
SOM wins sixth AIA Twenty-Five Year Award with the Exchange House
AIA Twenty-five Year Award given to Washington D.C., Metro
Renzo Piano’s Menil Collection Wins the 2013 AIA Twenty-five Year Award
3 Comments
Agreed. Great design, not only for its form but also its function. Most of the project is below grade, and appears to work very well.
I admire this project as a feat of engineering, but I have to say I've always been irritated that it takes over the axial view of the Louvre from the Jardin des Tuileries. Since, as Citizen states, all of the action is below the ground, it seems self-conscious and an unnecessary imposition to me.
Point taken, Erik. Probably another instance of the myth/reality of glass structures and their purported transparency. I don't recall, but it's easy to assume that the design pitch claimed that people would somehow be able see from the Jardin on axis to the central Louvre pavilion through the pyramid. Nope.
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