Institut du Monde Arabe 5th arrondissement, Paris
11/17/02

Located just east of the historical heart of Paris is the Institut du Monde Arabe. The Institut was designed by one of France's most famous architects, Jean Nouvel. Probably the most interesting elements of the building is an array of solar-controlling devices on the south facade. These contraptions open and close based on the amount of sun that is coming into the building. Why they need such a complex means of controlling light in Paris' perpetually overcast climate is beyond me (plus they didn't seem to work at all since many were completely closed on the overcast day we visited it). Anyway, they were interesting to look at (see picture 4). There were also really nice views from the observation deck of the Seine and Notre Dame in the distance and Sacre Coeur in the far, far distance.