Le Bassin, installation by Takis
Le Bassin is an art installation consisting of metallic rods with illuminated shapes extending from a rectangular water basin, created by artist Takis in 1988. The work spans roughly 50 meters in length and includes 49 rods ranging from 11 to 30 feet (3,5 to 9 meters) tall with colorful geometric forms and blinking lights at their tips.
The artwork was created by artist Takis in 1988 as part of the broader art program in La Défense. A related installation called Arbres lumineux was created in 1990 nearby, employing a similar concept of illuminated metal structures.
The name refers to the water basin that anchors the space and serves as a gathering point for the neighborhood. Residents and visitors use this location as a place to pause and connect during their daily routines.
The installation is accessible year-round and free to visit, with nearby public transportation making it easy to reach on foot. The best times to see the light displays are during evening hours when the blinking effects are most visible.
The installation transforms throughout the day and changes with the seasons, offering different visual experiences with each visit. The blinking lights are particularly striking at night, creating a dynamic display that contrasts sharply with the surrounding corporate architecture.
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