Headquarters of the French Communist Party, Political party headquarters in 19th arrondissement, France.
The headquarters of the French Communist Party is an S-shaped building whose two facades are covered by Jean Prouvé's curtain wall of 364 smoked-glass panes, divided by thin vertical mullions. Its floors rest on five massive concrete pillars, so the structure appears to float above the ground. A white dome, the roof of the National Council room, sits in front of the glass wall on a low base.
Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer designed the building while in exile from Brazil, completing the main structure in 1971 and the dome in 1980. The project reflects Niemeyer's fusion of political commitment and architectural innovation during a pivotal phase of his career.
The building's address, 2 Place du Colonel Fabien, shares the party's initials (PCF), and the square honours the communist resistance fighter Colonel Fabien. Since 2000 the party has rented the site for Prada and Jean Paul Gaultier shows, and Angèle and Alain Souchon filmed music videos here. The entrance hall, over 1,000 m², hosts art exhibitions in the Espace Niemeyer.
The building sits at Place du Colonel Fabien and is easy to reach, with exhibitions and events held regularly in dedicated spaces. Visitors should know that the partially underground entrance and multi-level design allow for a special exploration of the space.
The underground entrance leads visitors down a descending floor that gradually guides them toward the dome, creating an intriguing spatial sequence. This architectural concept of moving downward before reaching the main hall is unusual and shapes the experience of the place.
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