The Voie Triomphale, or the Great Axis, of Paris runs from the Louvre in the center of Paris, all the way out to La Grande Arche de La Défense on the other side of the Seine outside of Paris. When the business district of La Défense was envisioned, the planners wanted to keep the axis going and add a large structure that would be clearly visible all the way from the Arc de Triomphe. With the exception of the one large structure, the axis was kept free, with only low lying sculptures, such as fountains, in the path. They held a contest for the design of the structure and the winning design was built. The Grande Arche is a cube with the center and two faces removed. The sides and top are very wide and contain offices within. In the center is a large canopy “wing” that is both artistic and functional; the wing cuts the wind that can develop inside the arch. The Grande Arche is a nice blend of form and function and is distinctly modern while still embracing the historical integrity of the Voie Triomphale.

Ever since the large renovation of Paris conducted under Haussmann, the French government has tried to keep the Parisian landscape aesthetically pleasing, rejecting large skyscrapers. While this was all well and good for the beauty of Paris, it left the business world in the lurch. As a result, a new section of Paris, geographically outside of Paris, was created, starting in the 1950s. The new area was named La Défense, after a sculpture entitled “La Défense de Paris” that was located in the center of a village that was taken over for the new development. Although the primary purpose of La Défense was a business district, it was also carefully planned to be a pedestrian haven, with all traffic relegated underground and statues littered among the glass buildings.