One of them, the master plan of the Seguin Island on the Seine, was already shown at the preliminary stage of development, but now we are talking about much more specific information. The island is part of the area of the former Renault plant, which is now being reclaimed in the Boulogne-Billancourt area. It also includes the coastal area, where residential and office buildings will appear, including the “Horizon” business center (“Block C1”) of the same Nouvel. Seguin, on the other hand, was in a state of uncertainty for a long time. The Renault concern left it in 1992, and in 2000 the billionaire François Pinault became interested in him, who decided to build a museum there, designed by Tadao Ando for his extensive collection of contemporary art. But he failed to negotiate with the local authorities, and, as a result, Pino placed his meeting in Venice.
But, as Nouvel's master plan shows, even without Pino's participation, the island will become an important cultural center. It was decided to build it up with a variety of institutions in this area, complemented by infrastructure. Potential participants include the Cartier Foundation (with which Nouvel has already worked successfully), the Renault concern (he may place his art collection there), the leading film studio and French film distributor Pathé, which plans to open its own cinema there, the Swiss art carrier Natural Le Coultre (he is going to set up his warehouse there), the Bouglione circus, the Cube digital media center. There will also be a variety of exhibition spaces, a hotel, cultural-related shops, workshops for artists and artisans, as well as a state complex of concert halls.
All buildings will be surrounded by green areas designed by Michel Devin: he plans to use the plants growing on the island in their creation. Also participating in the project will be lighting artist Yann Kersalé, who has worked with Nouvel in the past: he will use LED light sources and ditch traditional types of lighting such as street lamps and sodium lamps. Construction should start around 2013 and finish in 10 years.
Also in Paris, a completely different, short-term project of Jean Nouvel was completed: the H&M clothing store on the Champs Elysees. The architect was responsible for its interior and facade. This 3-storey space of 2,800 m2 is designed in light colors (an allusion to the white limestone of Parisian buildings) with dark details.
