Unit 3

On the left is my current apartment which consists of 5 areas: the kitchen, the bathroom, my room/space, my dad's room, and the balcony. I added a lot of detail in all the rooms such as the tables, the different appliances, the beds, and the study desks. It is relatively small as it is an partment but it us just enough for me and my dad to live in. I also added realistic factors such as the measurements of the lengths of the different walls, and the way its facing (North, South, East, West).  On the right, we have my dream house which has an infinity pool, bedrooms, a gym, a garage, a living room, a kitchen and a boathouse. In the living room, there is a giant couch facing a big TV so that I can watch movies on a big screen. It is faced in such a way that the sun rises first on the lake so that if I am ever rowing, I can see the beautiful sunrise more clearly. I can do almost anything I have dreamed of such as swimming, rowing,  and having a variety of different cars for different purposes. This is a family house that is 300 ft wide and 500 ft long and fits all needs and will probably have a second floor. 

Building name and architects: Louis Vuitton Foundation, Frank Gehry    

Location: Paris, France

Dates of construction: March 2008 - October 2014

Images (upload photo[s]):

Materials and structural building techniques—what materials were employed in its construction and how did these dictate or enable the building’s construction/engineering methods and final form and appearance? What are the characteristics of the materials? Are they local or imported? How is sustainability accomplished?

The Louis Vuitton Foundation, designed by Frank Gehry, employs a mix of glass, steel, and fiber-reinforced concrete to achieve its dynamic, sail-like form. The 3,600 glass panels, custom-made and curved, create a translucent facade, while the steel framework provides structural flexibility. The materials were largely imported for precision and performance. Sustainability is addressed through energy-efficient systems, rainwater recycling, and optimized natural light. The combination of advanced engineering and high-performance materials enabled the building’s fluid, sculptural appearance while balancing aesthetic and environmental considerations.

Function—what is the building’s main function? What activities does it accommodate? Has it been renovated or repurposed? How does its function dictate aspects of its form and/or materials? How are urban social needs addressed?

The Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris primarily functions as a cultural center and museum, dedicated to contemporary art exhibitions, performances, and public events. Its fluid, sail-like form, enabled by advanced materials like curved glass and steel, creates vast, light-filled galleries ideal for displaying art while offering panoramic city views. The building has not undergone a lot of renovations but adapts flexibly to rotating exhibitions and installations. Its design—open and inviting—addresses urban social needs by providing public spaces, educational programs, and rooftop terraces, blending high culture with accessibility. 

Model—are there aspects of the building that reflect particular historical or geographical styles (either native or distant)? Are different styles represented, if so why?

The Louis Vuitton Foundation does not explicitly replicate historical or geographical styles but embodies Frank Gehry’s signature deconstructivist approach, characterized by fragmented, fluid forms that challenge traditional architecture. However, its glass "sails" subtly evoke Parisian glass structures like the Grand Palais, while its organic curves may loosely reference natural elements (waves, icebergs) rather than a specific cultural style. The absence of direct historical mimicry aligns with its forward-looking, avant-garde purpose as a contemporary art space. Instead of pastiche, Gehry prioritizes innovation, using cutting-edge materials to create a sculptural landmark that stands apart yet harmonizes with the Bois de Boulogne’s natural surroundings. The design thus reflects modernity and global influence rather than localized traditions.

Symbolic/social meaning—what is the building intended to convey within its cultural/political context (power, luxury, spirituality, progress, etc.)? Are there narrative elements or other ornamentations that contribute to its meaning (i.e. art elements such as paintings, sculpture, etc.)? How are specific beliefs, values, and/or practices accommodated or conveyed?

The Louis Vuitton Foundation is a powerful symbol of cultural ambition, artistic innovation, and the prestige associated with both France and the LVMH luxury brand. Designed by Frank Gehry, the building’s billowing glass “sails” evoke movement, exploration, and a sense of wonder, likened to a “magnificent vessel symbolizing the cultural calling of France” and even described as a “cathedral of light.” Its architecture, blending 19th-century French traditions with 21st-century technology, conveys progress and modernity while respecting historical roots. Socially, the foundation serves as a bridge between contemporary art and the public, aiming to democratize access to culture and support artistic creation through exhibitions, performances, and educational programs. Narrative elements and ornamentation are present in the form of site-specific installations and a permanent collection featuring major contemporary artists, with the building itself acting as a sculptural work of art. The Foundation’s mission and design reflect values of openness, innovation, and cultural dialogue, accommodating practices that celebrate both the legacy and future of art in a global context.

Visual elements—what are the three most important visual elements with regard to the building’s appearance? (E.g. weight; solid/void; mass/plane; scale/proportions; movement/rhythm; light; colour; texture.)

The Louis Vuitton Foundation’s visual identity is defined by three key elements: movement and rhythm, exemplified by its undulating glass sails that evoke a sense of fluid motion and organic growth; light and transparency, achieved through expansive curved glass panels that flood interiors with natural light and create ever-changing reflections; and the contrast between mass and plane, where the solid, iceberg-like base of white concrete anchors the structure, while the lightweight glass “sails” appear to float above it. 

Sketches—make and upload a few explanatory sketches (2-3) of your building and/or details of it to show its main visual or structural features.

Source documentation—provide information for each source used in your research.

https://www.cedinox.es/en/publicaciones/Louis-Vuitton-Foundation/

https://www.isaprojects.com/post/fondation-louis-vuitton-frank-gehry

https://industeel.arcelormittal.com/story/louis-vuitton-foundation/

https://www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr/en/fondation/the-building

https://www.thetravelalbum.com/architecture/louis-vuitton-foundation

This is the Double Tree Hotel. A pretty popular hotel located at the heart of a city on the waterfront. It is 180 meters tall and 50 meters wide at the base. It is made of many different materials such as bricks, glass, stainless steel, wood, and reinforced concrete. Starting from the bottom-up, it has a lot of shops at the bottom making it very integrated into it's environment including reception. You can also enter by driving into the parking lot up front. Additionally, it has a lot of docks for recreational boats provided by the hotel so residents can enjoy various water activities. The walls around them serve as protection and a good walking route to view the lake and the boats. To check into the hotel, you go up one of the two trees (elevators) to get to your assigned floor. The bottom few rooms are first-class suites so that it is easier to view the boats and the nice view. The floor above it serves as a dining hall where all guests can dine at for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The middle floor contains regular rooms with just a standard living space as thet have pretty small windows compared to the ones on the bottom. The floor on top of that is an amenities floor with facilities such as a pool, a gym, and an arcade. The final floor has middle class suites as they are the ones that get to see more beautiful, natural scenery facing the river. The top floor is a 360 degree view of the surronding area all made of strong, reinforced glass so that you can see both land and sea. Floors facing the water/land cost more than the ones facing the trees.