A fascinating interplay of light
At the new Luma cultural centre in Arles, a tower by architect Frank Gehry is making a spectacular statement that can be seen from afar.
Luma Cultural Centre, Arles (FR)
Building owner: Luma Foundation, Maja Hoffmann
Architecture: Gehry Partners, LLP, Los Angeles
Completed: 2021
GEBERIT KNOW-HOW
- Duofix installation elements for toilets and showers
- Sigma10, Sigma50 and Sigma80 actuator plates
The Luma cultural centre near Arles was opened in 2021. It consists of a spacious park with studios and artists’ accommodation, a hall for large events, a training centre, laboratories and cafés, thus providing a coherent infrastructure for cultural events and exhibitions of all kinds. Also part of the site is the tower by architect Frank Gehry, which is visible from afar.
A 56-metre-high tower by Frank Gehry stands proudly over the Luma cultural centre in Arles.
Unmistakable signature of the architect
As with many buildings designed by Frank Gehry, it is almost impossible to grasp the structure of the building at first glance. A 56-metre-high tower rises from a drum-shaped glass structure. It contains various exhibition and event spaces, a cafeteria and the offices and archives of the Luma administration.
11,000
aluminium panels
The tower’s facade consists of 11,000 aluminium panels.
A photo subject at any time of day
The tower’s facade consists of 53 boxes with mirrored windows and almost 11,000 aluminium panels. From a distance, they look like luminous scale armour. Depending on the time of day, they reflect the light in different moods.
Fascinating interior
The inside of the tower also offers some exciting perspectives. Anyone who dares can use a slide on the way down instead of the winding staircase. The technical building systems also impress. The 80 or so toilets are flushed with Geberit concealed flush technology. Both the attractive Sigma50 brushed stainless steel plates and the touchless Sigma80 models are used for flush actuation.