Dauphine University Centre, Contemporary architecture campus in 16th arrondissement of Paris, France
Dauphine University Centre is a university campus in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, housed in a large post-war building that faces the Place du Maréchal-de-Lattre-de-Tassigny, a short walk from the Arc de Triomphe. The building was designed by architects Jacques Carlu and Albert Laprade and rises over several floors, containing lecture halls, libraries, and sports facilities.
The building was constructed between 1956 and 1959 to serve as NATO headquarters, a role it held until 1966 when France withdrew from the alliance's integrated military command. Shortly after, in 1968, it was converted into a university, giving the structure a completely new purpose.
The building takes its name from the nearby Avenue du Président Wilson, but locals simply call it Dauphine, after the historic title once used for the heir to the French throne. Today it is known as a hub for economics and management students, and its corridors fill up with lively debate between classes.
The campus sits directly on the Place du Maréchal-de-Lattre-de-Tassigny and can be reached on foot from the Porte Dauphine metro station in just a few minutes. Since it is an active university, some areas are only open to students and staff, so public access may be limited depending on the time of day.
The building's facade features a monumental bas-relief by Henri Georges Adam, one of the most noted French sculptors of the 20th century, created during the original NATO construction. This artwork survived the change of use and can still be seen on the exterior today.
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