“My interest has always been in an architecture which reflects the modernity of our epoch as opposed to the rethinking of historical references. My work deals with what is happening now—our techniques and materials, what we are capable of doing today.”
Today is the 69th birthday of the great French architect and designer, Jean Nouvel. The winner of the Wolf Prize in 2005 and the Pritzker of 2008, Nouvel has attempted to design each of his projects without any preconceived notions, resulting in a variety of projects that - while strikingly different - always demonstrate an interesting use of light and shadow as well as a harmonious balance with their surroundings. More on the Pritzker-winning architect, after the break.
His variety of work can be seen in such acclaimed works as the Institut du Monde Arabe and the Fondation Cartier and. Nouvel also has a series of notable projects currently in the works, such as the New Louvre in Abu Dhabi and the National Art Museum of China.
In honor of his birthday, take a moment to revisit Nouvel's previous works on ArchDaily.
- Institut du Monde Arabe
- Fondation Cartier
- Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom-Stilwerk
- Serpentine Gallery Pavilion
- 100 Eleventh Avenue
- New Louvre in Abu Dhabi
- Video: Jean Nouvel on Arabic Architecture, Context & Culture
