The entrance to the Louvre, a project in search of evidence

A project starts with prior exploration work and the search for all possibilities, a kind of inventory required before stopping a position. Meanwhile, An idea is not enough, an image even less. Therefore, What was it for the project of a new entry to the Louvre?*

The evidence is suspect

What seems obvious to us today is sometimes very complex that we do not suspect. Consequently, This is the case with this magnificent place that is Concorde. In addition, like other achievements, which seems very simple but which, in fact, is a long elaboration. However, This is the case of the Louvre. In addition, entrance louvre, project search evidence this long history which concerned twenty-three architects, not to mention a good ten others who have contributed to what seems to be a coherent and unitary building today!

Pragmatism does not always have a good press. However, utopia is often preferred to it, at the risk of missing out on the right answer, of ” The good idea The one who is obvious but that no one had yet considered.
Like the denial of reality, the evidence is suspect. Similarly, But why didn’t we see him right away, why didn’t we think about it earlier?
The evidence, quite simply does not leave the hat, it results from an exploration work.

After the Center Pompidou. Nevertheless, which launched into major works for the second time since its creation, the Louvre could not be outdone. In addition, For those who ignore it. Similarly, it is therefore a question of making the world’s largest museum entrance louvre, project search evidence in line with its time and, at the same time, of providing a response to a subject now forty years old ” Finally give the monument an entry, generous and dignified, which is part of the history of the site ».

This great project deserves our full attention. Therefore, By saying ” project », I still worry about the concept of project, its origin and its content. However, As much for the Center Pompidou. Meanwhile, it is a question of rehabilitation, as much for the Louvre it would be a ” revolution, of a rebirth »Linked in particular to the evolution of audiences, therefore a project.

This notion of project remains unclear. Nevertheless, no one can clearly say what a project is and what is not, even if for an architect it is the most used concept. For example, The concept of project is directly attached to a conception of entrance louvre, project search evidence architecture. For example, if, as I believe, architecture is itself a project, it will be necessary to adjust to say it and do it, implement a vision of society, a relationship with the city, to constructive modes, to adapt to the evolution of practices. Consequently, There is a paradoxical dimension: how can a client place an architecture command if it is held by the only knowing. In addition, the architect? Similarly, In the same way, how will the architect respond to an order without architectural consistency? Therefore, How to consider a transformation, an evolution?

To confiscate the very concept of architecture. the architects made the dialogue difficult, the order was stretched, it took refuge in the technique, the economic or even the ecological, it has almost disappeared and architecture as a response, as a project, cannot resist.

It has not always been so. The story always has surprises in store entrance louvre, project search evidence for us, as proof of the place of Concorde. At the time, the idea was to draw a place to accommodate an equestrian statue of Louis XV. The location was not determined and the architects went there from their proposals. Pierre Patte’s plan has identified no less than eighteen locations. The one that will ultimately be retained, the current Place de la Concorde, was proposed by Boffrand, a Nancy architect.

What I want to highlight is this prior exploration work. A project starts with the search for all possibilities, a kind of inventory, before stopping a position. An idea is not enough, an image even less. I even think that the concept of project supposes an opening work. a prior sharing which should be included in the concept of program. This exploration presupposes a particular provision of mind where only one man may not be enough. Thus. the dismay of entrance louvre, project search evidence Monsieur de Marigny who, overwhelmed by the proposals no longer knew where to give the head and to which the king gave as an answer: ” Take the best in each of the proposals and entrust the project to Mr. Jacques Ange Gabrie L ».

Another time. another answer, we are confronted today with a subject that could resemble that of the conception of a royal place. By this search for all the possibilities. prerequisite essential to a project, once carried out, the project has the appearance of the evidence. But the evidence must be flushed out.

The Bernin. who wanted to redo the Louvre, was entrusted with the drawing of the eastern facade and its sketches were numerous, in vain. It was necessary to initiate extremely expensive work in an era which no longer allowed it. It is ultimately Claude Perrault who will make this superb facade. Additionally, it entrance louvre, project search evidence is precisely this facade which is mentioned today.

The Louvre is crumbling under its success and a new entry, this time, must be envisaged. At the same time. a specific place will be planned for Mona Lisa so that those who come only to make a selfie with her, do not climb the Louvre and can take their photo in good conditions before leaving so quickly.

This is a problem that awaits architectural answers. In other words, an exploration of all possibilities should have been carried out. This work was certainly done, but it was he who should have been the subject of a large international consultation. The feasibility study has certainly listed all the proposals before choosing one. Just as many projects had to be presented before Im Pei took all the votes for the pyramid. At the time. culture officials spoke ” obviously “, The evidence of finding entrance louvre, project search evidence a pyramid after three arches of triumphs and an obelisk,” integration »Was perfect!

The pyramid has become an emblem and it will have to be taken into account.

I have no doubt that in feasibility studies. the realization of an inverted ziggourat was envisaged around the pyramid or that it has been levitating to create a peripheral shelter. One can also imagine a magnificent lassis of bridges. very modern, in the square courtyard, which would go up to descend, a little like the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Unless you consider a double revolution staircase. Chambord type, in the middle of the square, or even more simple the use of ditches to design two ramps on both sides of the entrance, rue du Louvre. No reason to stop exploration or rather delirium.

The real question is why focus on the facade is then that everything is ready to accommodate a entrance louvre, project search evidence majestic. entrance to the west?

It is the arrival of the buses and the location of the parking lot that will strengthen an entry logic. Spaces to find? The parking lot, still three -quarters empty in front of the bulwark of Philippe Auguste and unused generous spaces.

An entry to the west would strengthen the interest of the pyramid. the beauty of the perspective, it would adopt and strengthen both boulingrins on both sides from a sloping dromos for five percent. In addition. entry to the west would give meaning to the drawing of the flowerbeds which are radiant and participate in the invitation to return.

An architectural project is the consideration of all the historical, economic, functional, symbolic and ecological dimensions.

The evidence went to the hatch

If all these dimensions have been taken into consideration to offer the location to the east of the new entrance to the entrance louvre, project search evidence Louvre. the evidence went to the hatch. The answer was consubstantial with the pyramid. it was possible forty years ago, it was there from the outset so let’s not miss again.

Do you need a new genius to shout the right idea!
The evidence is obvious! Archimedes shouts “Eurêka!” And jumps from his bathtub to run naked and announce his discovery. Sitting under an apple tree, it will suffice for the fall of an apple to understand universal gravitation.
What is it for immanence to happen. finally the solution is the right one to design the new entrance to the Louvre?
Bringing the Tuileries garden in the Louvre, a new relationship between art and culture, what could be more natural!

That evening. the Ballon d’Or and its basin rose in the sky and the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel marked well the axis of the Louvre.

The first image is Roman, it is entrance louvre, project search evidence that of the victorious troops which paraded during the triumphs. These troops are no longer the same. they are poured by cars and in a hurry because you have to go fast to discover Paris, the Mona Lisa, the Eiffel Tower and Eurodisney! The symbolic image of the passage under the arc is powerful, fast, it remains in tradition.

Today. the triumph of culture must be celebrated, nine million visitors who would pass under the Arc de Percier and Fontaine: the image is beautiful, it opens the way to ” the idea ».

It’s time to give ideas a ” presumption of relevance ». To bounce back on hazards and opportunities and above all, to take the time, that of passing under the ark to join the other world, that of history, of art, which preceded and opening the one to come.

This is what it is about.

A ball entrance louvre, project search evidence rises in the sky and opens our eyes. The evidence is a revelation, it results from a long ripening murmur.

Alain Sarfati
Architect & urban planner

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*To discover and sign the petition for a west entrance to the Louvre museum