The Arab World Institute
was established in 1980 (by the architect Jean Nouvel), when 19
Arab countries concluded an agreement with France to establish
a presentation of arab-islamic civilization as a whole, in a building
symbolic of arab civilization. The Institute also aims at promoting
cooperation and cultural exchanges between France and the Arab
world in the areas of science and technology.
It incorporates some well lit exhibition areas, a museum, library, a 300-seat hall and a restaurant, as well as offices and car parking. Internally a superb feature is the glass and steel stairs and lift enclosure, which can be seen from most parts of the building.
The south-facing garden courtyard wall has been described as a 'Venetian blind', although its appearance is more patently Islamic in decorative terms. It is, however, an ocular device of striking originality, made up of numerous and variously dimensioned metallic diaphragms set in pierced metal borders. These diaphragms operate like a camera lens to control the sun's penetration into the interior of the building. Thus the whole effect is like a giant Islamic pierced screen, giving significance and an audacious brilliance to this remarkable building |
