Location: Boulogne-Billancourt, France.

Architect: Jean de Gastines Architectes, Shigeru Ban Architects.

The Cité Musicale on the island of Seguin is a cultural center that blends seamlessly with the urban planning project of Jean Nouvel while also standing out as an emblem of the culture of Hauts-de-Seine. The building features a photovoltaic solar sail that moves to follow the sun and optimize energy production. The Grand Foyer serves as a public reception area and is flexible enough to accommodate a variety of events. The Great Hall can seat up to 4000 people and is designed to host a wide range of performances. The auditorium, with its excellent acoustics, is specifically designed to accommodate symphonic orchestras or contemporary music. The audience is spread across multiple terraces, creating a sense of intimacy with the musicians. The Cité Musicale is a space for discovering all kinds of music and is capable of hosting a variety of events. It is a new symbol of the Vallée de la Culture and of the Grand Paris, an architectural gesture of international standards.

Photo credit: DIDIER BOY DE LA TOUR.