Designed by the architect Frank Gehry and located just outside the Bois de Boulogne (Paris, France), it opened its doors to the public on October 27. For the façades, 3,500m² of Saint-Gobain Glass glazing was processed by Glassolutions CZ in Brno (Czech Republic), notably the extra-clear SGG DIAMANT glass which allows visitors to fully enjoy the Jardin d’Acclimatation surrounding the edifice.In the auditorium, CLIMAPLUS SILENCE double-glazing ensures acoustic comfort. For the roof, a combination of extra-clear SGG DIAMANT glass, low-e SGG PLANITHERM glass and solar-control SGG COOL-LITE SKN 172 glass screen-printed by Glassolutions (The Netherlands) provides optimum solar control. The glass used in the “sails” in the over-roof was supplied by another glassmaker. All in all, more than 2,000 glass panels were delivered, with 1,600 of them varying in shape and size: a real exploit in terms of production and logistics!
In addition, 1,100 m² of Vetrotech Saint-Gobain fire-protection glass, with fire-retardant properties of up to 60 and 90 minutes, contributes to the building’s safety. The Foundation’s construction site adopted an exemplary environmental approach and was chosen as a pilot project for drawing up the new HQE® reference framework dedicated to cultural buildings.
Saint-Gobain and Frank Gehry have worked together before, collaborating on the InterActiveCorp headquarters’ project in New York. In the form of a ship, the Foundation symbolizes France’s cultural vocation.
© Arch.: Frank O. Gehry; Ph.: meunierd/Shutterstock.com