La Défense

Tuesday, Lillian's class went on a field trip to La Défense; it is the largest purpose-built business district in all of Europe.  La Défense is named after the iconic statue La Défense de Paris, which was erected in 1883 to commemorate the soldiers who had defended Paris during the Franco-Prussian War.  The first building went up in 1958.  Lillian's class is studying le paysage urbain (urban landscapes).  In Paris proper, Tour Montparnasse is the only skyscraper. Two years after its completion skyscrapers were banned in the city.

This is La Grande Arche de la Défense.  It was completed in 1989 and is considered a modern version of L'Arc de Triomphe.  The history teacher who accompanied Lillian's class told a long story about how the architect was not very well known and had not expected to win.  The architect was hiking in the mountains when the winner of the contest was announced and he had to be found to accept the great honor.

 

La Grande Arche is lined up exactly with the Louvre and L'Arc de Triomphe.

 There is a large courtyard for concerts and gatherings and lots of modern art.

This is by Alexander Calder.

 

This is by Joan Miró.

 

There was a visitors' center with all sorts of models and information.  The history/geography teacher who led the field trip knew her stuff and had a binder full of information about La Défense.

 Here is Lil's class.  There are 33 kids in her class!  Her teacher is doing a fine job and I do not envy her one bit.