Tour Montparnasse w Paris (France) - 210 meter office skyscraper

Tour Montparnasse, a skyscraper and shopping center located at avenue du Maine 33 in the Montparnasse district of Paris, is one of the most characteristic and controversial works of urban architecture. The project for the reconstruction of the Montparnasse area was approved in 1956. The project included the relocation of the metro station and the reconstruction of the surrounding area. Work began in 1958, covering an area of ​​8 hectares and forcing the partial destruction of several streets. The construction of the skyscraper, which was carried out from 1969 to 1972, was carried out in a single phase.

It was originally planned that the tower would reach a maximum height of 154 meters. Despite the approval of this plan, the architects - Beaudouin, Cassan, de Marien and Saubot - changed the design, raising the height of the building to 210 meters. This change was never officially approved, which caused controversy. When the Tour Montparnasse was completed in 1973, it was the tallest structure in Western Europe until 1990, when it was surpassed by the Messe Turm in Frankfurt. Until 2009, it remained the tallest building in Paris.

Architectural controversies and criticism

During its construction, the Tour Montparnasse became a symbol of the modernity of Paris, but after its completion, public reactions were mixed. The tower was criticized for destroying the existing city skyline, the peace of which was disturbed by its modern silhouette. As a result, new skyscrapers began to be built on the outskirts of the city to preserve the traditional appearance of central Paris. Despite initial criticism, Tour Montparnasse has become an icon of the urban landscape and an important landmark offering amazing views of Paris.

Structure and design

Tour Montparnasse is a colossus weighing 120,000 tons and 210 meters high, with 59 floors, of which 54 floors are intended for offices. Each of these floors has an area of ​​almost 2,000 m², which gives a total of 112,000 m² of office space. The foundations of the skyscraper, reaching 70 meters below the ground, were made of concrete to ensure the stability of the structure on layers of limestone, clay and marble.

The building is equipped with 25 elevators, the fastest of which moves at a speed of 6 meters per second, allowing you to reach a height of 196 meters in just 38 seconds. Tour Montparnasse has 7,200 windows which create an external area of ​​40,000 m². The exterior structure of concrete and lightweight steel was designed to withstand winds and the structure's own weight. The aluminum, glass and bronze facade emphasizes the vertical lines of the building and reflects the sky, while the rounded shapes of the tower reduce external noise.

When comparing the Tour Montparnasse with other icons of Paris, the most famous point of reference is of course the Eiffel Tower. Tour Montparnasse is 210 meters high, making it much lower than the Eiffel Tower, which is 324 meters high. Even though the Eiffel Tower is taller, Tour Montparnasse stands out for its modern architecture and functionality as a business center, which makes it no less an important element of the Paris skyline.

Tourism and amenities

One of the most attractive elements of Tour Montparnasse are the observation terraces on the 56th and 59th floor, from where you can admire panoramic views of Paris. On the 56th floor there is a luxurious restaurant and cafe Le Ciel de Paris (Polish: The Sky of Paris), which offers amazing views of the city in the comfortable conditions of a glass, air-conditioned room. An incredible technological achievement is the fact that the fastest elevator in Europe reaches this floor in just 38 seconds.

The terrace on the 59th floor, the highest observation deck in Paris, offers views for a radius of 40 km on clear days. This extraordinary viewpoint is one of four places in Paris marked with four stars in the Michelin guides, which proves its exceptional tourist value.

Summary

Tour Montparnasse is an extraordinary example of modern architecture which, despite initial controversy, over time became an important symbol of Paris. The skyscraper, designed by Beaudouin, Cassan, de Marien and Saubot, impresses with its height, advanced structure and functionality. Its observation decks offer some of the most beautiful views of the city, which attracts numerous tourists.

The construction of the Tour Montparnasse was a watershed moment in the architectural history of Paris, changing its skyline and influencing future urban planning decisions. Today, this impressive skyscraper is proof of how modernity can coexist with the historical character of the city, creating a unique and harmonious whole.