Industrial architecture transformed in Paris
Apr 22, 2009 18:14:28 GMT
Post by Deleted on Apr 22, 2009 18:14:28 GMT
One of the most interesting things about this new century (and the final decades of the last one) is the desire to transform old industrial buildings into new uses, and to finally see the beauty in some of these constructions.
In Paris, there are at least two major industrial zones that have been transformed into noteworthy sites.
One is the on the southern edge of the city in the 13th arrondissement. A whole new university campus was created from the big factories there, and I consider it to be quite spectacular.
The biggest university building is the Grand Moulins de Paris, a giant flour mill.
Meanwhile, in the 19th arrondissement at Porte de la Villette, there was a huge abandoned 19th century warehouse zone. It has in recent years become one of the most chic addresses for corporate headquarters, for example Club Med.
There was a major fire about a decade ago that wiped out some of the warehouses (while they were still abandoned). New buildings have been built in the same form.
However, almost all of the zone is old and authentic. I would personally love to work in such a setting. Note the outdoor café n the other side of the bridge.
My photo of this tree was not a success, but what was interesting about it is the fact that both types of flowered branches are on the same tree, due to grafting.
Unfortunately, they were doing seasonal repairs on this decorative pond, which was actually a former arm of the Canal Saint Denis, so that goods could be shipped in and out on the canals.
The exit to the canal has been walled up, but some artwork allows people to dream of escaping to a more bucolic world.
Frankly, I suspect the sculpture of being a recent addition, probably paid for by Club Med, whose corporate symbol is Neptune's trident.
On the Canal Saint Denis side, the former opening is much less poetic.
In Paris, there are at least two major industrial zones that have been transformed into noteworthy sites.
One is the on the southern edge of the city in the 13th arrondissement. A whole new university campus was created from the big factories there, and I consider it to be quite spectacular.
The biggest university building is the Grand Moulins de Paris, a giant flour mill.
Meanwhile, in the 19th arrondissement at Porte de la Villette, there was a huge abandoned 19th century warehouse zone. It has in recent years become one of the most chic addresses for corporate headquarters, for example Club Med.
There was a major fire about a decade ago that wiped out some of the warehouses (while they were still abandoned). New buildings have been built in the same form.
However, almost all of the zone is old and authentic. I would personally love to work in such a setting. Note the outdoor café n the other side of the bridge.
My photo of this tree was not a success, but what was interesting about it is the fact that both types of flowered branches are on the same tree, due to grafting.
Unfortunately, they were doing seasonal repairs on this decorative pond, which was actually a former arm of the Canal Saint Denis, so that goods could be shipped in and out on the canals.
The exit to the canal has been walled up, but some artwork allows people to dream of escaping to a more bucolic world.
Frankly, I suspect the sculpture of being a recent addition, probably paid for by Club Med, whose corporate symbol is Neptune's trident.
On the Canal Saint Denis side, the former opening is much less poetic.