Palais de la Biere

Inspired by the poetics of certain contradictory concepts like neat and neglected, clean and dirty, various visual effects were created by displaying a pure, solid coloured wall against a calcined one just beside, sometimes actually burnt. Moreover, the pieces of furniture chosen aimed to further highlight this contrast, such as tables with metallic texture that conveyed a cold and industrial atmosphere in opposition to refined leather seats that transmitted warmth and luxury.

Some effects created with punctuations of fake lighting helped also to make stand out the pureness of certain walls contrasting with the black shaded areas of others, while the actual light sources were filtered and hidden.

Architect: Jean Nouvel

Status: Finished

Date: 1999 - 2005

Location: Strasbourg, France

Photo credit: Philippe Ruault