PARISPARC: A Project Designed by BIG Architects and OXO
As an architectural photographer, I am always on the lookout for projects that push the boundaries of urban design. The PARISPARC project, designed by the renowned Bjarke Ingels of BIG Architects, in collaboration with OXO Architectes, is a perfect example of contemporary innovation. One essential aspect of my work is construction site photography, a discipline that requires visual skills to capture both the evolution of a project and create impactful and representative images.
A Collaboration of Renowned Architects: BIG and OXO
Founded by Bjarke Ingels, BIG Architects is known for its innovative projects such as the Sluishuis in Amsterdam and VIA 57 West in New York. Their offices in Copenhagen and New York execute large-scale, global projects, utilizing innovative diagrams to illustrate each concept. Meanwhile, OXO Architectes, led by Manal Rachdi, collaborated with Sou Fujimoto and the Laisné-Roussel agency to design and build L’Arbre Blanc in Montpellier. This iconic project features branch-shaped balconies that create a harmonious interaction between nature and architecture, transforming the city’s skyline.
The Innovation Hub: A Center for Research and Entrepreneurship
The Cité de l’innovation Sorbonne Université, the official name of the project, will be a 15,000 m² innovation and entrepreneurship center dedicated to fundamental research, the development of new technologies, and the incubation of start-ups. It will include a business incubator, an accelerator, R&D laboratories, a fablab, and spaces for entrepreneurship training.
An Inclined Façade to Optimize Light
The inclined façades of the PARISPARC project perfectly illustrate the philosophy of BIG Architects: using dynamic forms to maximize natural light while adhering to Paris’s strict urban constraints. By integrating these inclinations, visible in the current structure, BIG and OXO showcase their expertise in creating harmonious buildings even within complex environments.
A Visual Dialogue with Paris’s Heritage
The inclination of the façades reflects the approach of Bjarke Ingels and BIG Architects to integrate heritage into their designs, as they have done with projects like the MÉCA in Bordeaux. At PARISPARC, this inclination creates a mirror effect, capturing the silhouette of Notre-Dame and the surrounding buildings, thus respecting architectural heritage while adding a contemporary touch.
An Opening to the City and the Jussieu Campus
As a specialized photographer, documenting the evolution of projects like those of BIG Architects and OXO in Paris allows me to capture the interaction between the city and its new constructions. PARISPARC harmoniously connects the Jussieu campus to its natural and urban environment, offering a wealth of photographic perspectives.