casing the arc the triomphe. a proposal to reappropriate the public monument in paris

rescubika has unveiled their architecture proposal for an addition for the arc de triomphe monument, in paris, france. the project aims to reappropriate the well-known landmark with the parisian population, and is part of the architects’ larger project of ‘spontaneous proposals of fictitious architecture’ aiming to highlight different scenarios and perceptions, based on empirical analysis of a specific situation and its context.

all images courtesy of rescubika

with this proposal, rescubika attempts to give possibilities to each parisian to reappropriate this territory that has been digested by mass tourism. as a national monument with an intense historical symbolism, the arc de triomphe is visited everyday by an extremely high number of tourists from all over the world. however, like in many large metropolises, famous landmarks are deserted by the local population. in parisians’ minds, the triumphal arch and the avenue of the champs elysées don’t really belong to the city.

nevertheless, the triumphal arch, with its historical backround and its strong symbolism, must also become a place that gathers both locals and tourists arund culture, history and memory. it must be a high meeting place: thus, the proposal includes the creation of a panoramic restaurant and a standard coffee ‘lounge’, attracting tourists and parisians. it must be a place where parisians want to walk: so, according to the project, a long bridge – accessible by foot or bicycle – will start at the triumphal arch and will ﬁnish in neuilly. it must be a high place creating a link between the power and the people: a reversed u-shaped wall will be set up in order to support various digital posters, creating the link and bringing a national identity cohesion.

the addition consists of a ‘casing’ that partially covers the monument, generating an assymetrical composition. this case will equip only half of the arch, ‘cutting’ the monument in half with a mirror. this mirror will be placed in the middle, reflecting the other half of the historical structure. in the half located on the left of the arch, the monument will be preserved as it is, in order to be able to contemplate it on its integrity. in the other half, the arch will be dressed with glass house boxes, accumulated one above the other, drawing strata more or less extruded. all of these boxes have an internal independent structure of the arch. the desire is to bring modernity in building without denying history. it is a current reading of the ‘architectural disorder’, which is generous, it has a very interesting wild side and makes it possibility in human to dream and to escape in the moment.

project info:

name: reappropriation of the arc de triomphe by parisians
architecture office: rescubika
lead architect: patterlini benoit

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom