christian louboutin's party tower in portugal features crisscross stairs & color-changing lights

‘La Folie’ tower for Christian Louboutin

In the secret beach town of Melides in Portugal, architect Tarek Shamma has built ‘La Folie,’ a party tower for world-renowned designer Christian Louboutin. Inspired by the Step Wells of Rajasthan and the Jantar Mantar Observatory, the unique structure was created in a wooded enclave of umbrella pines on a peninsula jutting into a lagoon, as a circular tower with geometric openings and crisscross stairs. As its name suggests, La Folie has no other function than to please the eye and the mind — it’s a place to read, meditate, or host friends for drinks and parties.

‘La Folie’ tower by Tarek Shamma | all images courtesy of Jose Castellar

overhead oculus, intricate stairs, and ambient lighting

La Folie is described as an innovative architectural experiment that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding lush landscape with its artfully designed vantage points. The structure, designed by Tarek Shamma (read more here), invites visitors on a journey of discovery. Approaching the tower from the outside, it reveals itself as a wide concrete cylinder with eye-catching openings. Inside is a central fireplace illuminated by the sun streaming in through the oculus overhead.

The experience of the space unfolds gradually as one traverses the intricate network of stairs. With each step leading upward, the gaze is inexorably drawn outward until finally the summit is reached, revealing a panoramic view of the rugged terrain and ocean beyond. At night, the meditative, peaceful atmosphere of ‘La Folie’ can easily change thanks to the color-changing lights embedded in the walls. Pink, purple, and blue hues flood the interior, creating a hypnotic environment that adapts to any setting, from a casual gathering with friends to a night of partying.

a circular tower with geometric openings and crisscross stairs