Cité de l'Innovation at Jussieu: the Glass Façade Revealed
As an architecture photographer, I document the installation of the last glass panel of the Cité de l'Innovation at Jussieu, designed by BIG and OXO Architectes.
Setting the last glass panel
As an architecture photographer, following the construction of the Cité de l’Innovation at Sorbonne Université, in the heart of the Jussieu campus, is an exciting visual adventure. Designed by the renowned architects BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group (Copenhagen / New York) in collaboration with OXO Architectes, this project is entering a key phase: the revealing of its final glass façade.
Last Panel, Last Gesture: A Symbolic Milestone
During my last visit to the site, I was able to witness a particularly powerful moment: the installation of the very last glass panel on one of the main façades. This gesture, both millimetre-precise and spectacular, was made possible by the expertise of the workers on site and by specialised lifting equipment, operated with great precision.
This is the whole challenge of construction photography: to accurately document the teams’ work while showcasing their expertise.
A Façade That Reflects Paris… Literally
This moment also marks the achievement of one of the architectural project’s most ambitious goals: finding the perfect tilt so that the building’s leaning front façade could reflect, from the forecourt, the Parisian skyline, and in particular the new spire of Notre-Dame.
Thanks to the now-complete assembly of certain glazed sections, this visual effect could be observed for the very first time – and photographed.
An Exceptional Collective Endeavour
Beyond the design by BIG and OXO, this construction site brings together a great many talents, whom I am keen to showcase through my images:
- Léon Grosse Construction, for the structural works
- Simeon Structure & Facade System, for the installation of the glass façade
- And also: Atelier Franck Boutté, Atelier Tempo, IXANS, DUVAL-METALU, Menuiserie Bonnardel, FRANCE-SOLS, SPIE, and many others.
To all the teams: congratulations on your commitment and precision. This construction site is a concrete demonstration of what collective intelligence can achieve in the service of contemporary architecture.
