Share this page:

Caisse Des Depots Et Consignation

Paris, France

James Turrell’s mastery of light as an artistic medium now adds color to the famed “city of light.” Unveiled in October 2003, Caisse des Depots et Consignation in Paris features an ethereal lighting design by Turrell in collaboration with Herve Descottes of L’Observatoire International – a lightwork that transfixes onlookers from the Charles de Gaulle Bridge.

The new building was designed by noted architect Christian Hauvette and houses a federal bank with a façade that spans 350 feet (107 m) and seemingly glows from within. The front-facing office windows are uplit by 1,800 units of iColor® Cove 12” installed behind the glass façade, with 108 ColorBlast® 12 and six ColorBlast 6 light fixtures illuminating the opposing interior wall. The result is a rich wash of colors that bring the façade to life with precisely designed effects. The LED lighting systems were programmed to change color very gradually through a series of patterns that play with one’s perception of the architecture. The effects were authored and controlled with a DMX system that stores and triggers the customized light shows.

This captivating installation is sure to earn its place among Parisian landmarks -- fusing color, light and architecture unlike anything the city has seen before.