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Wall With Metal Lenses at the Arab World Institute

by Pritzker Prize-Winning Architect Jean Nouvel

By Jackie Craven, About.com Guide

1981-87, Paris, France

The Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA), or the Arab World Institute, has adjustable metal lenses on the exterior wall.

Photo © Georges Fessy, courtesy Ateliers Jean Nouvel
Automated lenses along the southern wall of the Arab World Institute control light entering the interior spaces. The aluminum lenses are arranged in a geometric pattern and covered with glass. In addition to serving a practical function, the grid of lenses resembles moucharabieh -- latticework found on patios and balconies in Arabian countries.

Interior view of the lenses >>

Exterior view of the museum >>

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