Jean Nouvel documentary tours Pritzker winner's past and future buildings
A documentary has been released tracking Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel around the world as he explains and reflects on key buildings in his career – both built and under construction.
The 15-minute film, called Jean Nouvel: Reflections, was directed by filmmaker Matt Tyrnauer, who was given exclusive access to follow Nouvel on visits to several building sites where his projects are taking shape.
Among the buildings featured are a trio of Parisian projects – the Foundation Cartier, the Musee Quay Branley and the Philharmonie de Paris – and the forthcoming Louvre Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
Explaining his inspiration for the latter project, an intricately patterned dome, Nouvel said: “I wanted to create a reinterpretation in reference to Greek museum. A place not only to look at some artworks but as meeting points of different kinds. And also [I had] this idea to create a space with no inside or outside, and [featuring] one of the eternal symbols – the white cupola. The paradox of that is abstraction but with Islamic references.”
The architect added that the facade of the building will allow allow “a rain of light” to enter, with spots of light appearing and disappearing “at different rhythms depending on the geometry” of the structure’s skin.
Summarising his philosophy, the architect said: “I fundamentally believe that a building is a reflection of an era. I really think one of the noble aspects of architecture is to testify for a generation; to reflect a culture in a said instant.”
The film, which was produced by Altimeter Films, can be viewed below:
Jean Nouvel Pritzker Prize architecture design Abu Dhabi LouvreLouvre Abu Dhabi hits major milestone as temporary sea walls come down
'It seeks to seduce': Jean Nouvel designs mixed-use Melbourne tower with four distinct façades
Jean Nouvel's Geneva museum expansion rejected by public vote, opening door for new proposals
Louvre Abu Dhabi on course for mid-2016 handover
Philippe Starck and Jean Nouvel to transform landmark Brazilian hospital into luxury hotel and spa


“We finally have a space worthy of our collection”: V&A launches huge new Photography Centre

Immersive storytelling museum takes pride of place at revamped Tiffany & Co. in NYC following redesign led by Peter Marino and OMA

Elegant Dior spa inspired by nature opens at Hôtel Du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes

Bjarke Ingels among finalists chosen in design competition for National Museum of the United States Navy

De Matos Ryan and AOC Architecture prepare to open Young V&A London

ACPV Architects Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel creates new Bulgari Tokyo

Manchester City submits £300m Populous-designed plans to redevelop Etihad Stadium and add 400-bedroom hotel

Woods Bagot completes $120m refurb of Continental Sorrento with subterranean bathhouse and spa

New Dior spa carriage opens aboard Belmond’s luxury Royal Scotsman train

Bjarke Ingels creates meandering eco distillery attraction for Blue Run Kentucky

bbspa_Group to realise urban destination spa inside Sardinian football stadium

Thinkwell to deliver the world's first Play-Doh attractions in Saudi Arabia

Jayasom partners with Amaala to unveil multigenerational health resort in Saudi Arabia

OMA's Ellen van Loon is the visionary behind new cultural centre for Manchester

James Corner Field Operations creates Highline for London

Esbjerg’s landmark maritime center, designed by WERK Arkitekter and Snøhetta, opens to the public

SEVEN to open world’s first indoor Discovery Adventures centres in Saudi Arabia

Fun and fear drive new Universal attraction concepts for Texas and Las Vegas

Voelker Gray Design creates 10-acre hot springs wellness haven for Atlanta

AIDarchitecten create healing spa for Antwerp's Botanic Sanctuary

Hollaway Studio's Seahive would bring blue health to South-East England

SEVEN to invest US$13bn in developing entertainment destinations across Saudi Arabia

World Spa’s expansive 50,000sq ft urban bathhouse and wellness club opens in Brooklyn

Floating Salmon Eye visitor attraction by Kvorning Design highlights sustainable aquaculture

White Arkitekter's Wood Hotel in Skellefteå Swedish Lapland is climate positive and made from local timber

Nohlab's 'Everything' installation among Noor Riyadh festival highlights

Bob Iger's return to Disney sparks major restructuring focused on creativity and storytelling

Therme Group plans US$200m urban wellbeing resort in South Korea

Digital art installation in Nanjing helps the public keep an eye on exoplanets
