Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe: Longchamp bets on futuristic $145M grandstand
Photos:
Paris' Longchamp racecourse hosts one of the world's most famous horse races -- the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. The site currently houses two huge grandstands -- side by side -- built in the 1960s. This computer-generated image (and the ones which follow) show how the new design will transform the site when completed.
Hide Caption
1 of 10
Photos:
The new design which will replace the old stands is the work of Dominique Perrault. The Paris-based architect has designed iconic structures all over the world and was awarded the Praemium Imperiale -- an annual prize awarded by the Japanese Art Association. Click here to see more of his work.
Hide Caption
2 of 10
Photos:
The existing grandstands at Longchamp are packed in the first weekend of October for the running of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe -- the richest flat race on turf in the world.
Hide Caption
3 of 10
Photos:
But for the remainder of the year, the stands remain largely empty -- around 30 race meetings are held annually at Longchamp, attracting just a few thousand spectators each time.
Hide Caption
4 of 10
Photos:
Perrault's new design includes just one grandstand but will be "transparent," he says, affording views both east and west.
"The building has two faces -- one in front of the race and one behind," he says.
"The building has two faces -- one in front of the race and one behind," he says.
Hide Caption
5 of 10
Photos:
"On each plateau you have some services -- clubs, hospitality space, restaurants -- but you can see in all directions," Perrault explains.
Hide Caption
6 of 10
Photos:
"The horse-racing side looks out to the east onto Paris, the E