Les Fontaines Des Champs Elysees

For the new fountains of the Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées, we wanted to offer this exceptionaland popular site, which articulates joys andsorrows, a highly ambitious technical and aestheticcreation intended for everyone. Our aim was to blend into the urban landscape, tohighlight as delicately as possible the view between Place de la Concorde and Place de l’ Etoile, and tosubtly mark the passage from the peace and quiet ofthe gardens to the bustle of the Avenue des Champs-Elysées. We sought to find the right balancebetween this unique historical setting and a modernoffering. These fountains, erected in sixbasins, interweave water, light and movement andrestore the symmetry of the site. Each structureconsists of a 13 m-high central mast in bronze, whichsupports a series of crystal light hangings throughwhich the water flows and falls. The fountains revolve slowly to accompany passers-byand the movement of traffic. Their ballet mirrorsthe natural choreography of the setting. Thisrotation, in addition to the mirror-like effects ofthe crystals, produces a continuous shimmer andprovides an ever-changing perspective. The chains of crystal reflect the variations in thelight, the seasons, the skies, the trees and theheadlights of cars. At nightfall, the fountainslight up to evoke a luminous, aerial display. Like amarvel presented to passers-by, their aim is tocreate feelings of surprise and joy. These feelingsare also enhanced by the play of water, itsmusicality and cheerfulness. From the workers to the engineers, from our workshopstaff to the technicians, the passionate energy andgenerosity of all those involved has contributed toproducing this outstanding piece of work. Agenuinely collective intelligence gradually tookshape to meet the technical complexity of thisundertaking. Durability, a rigorous assembly andease of maintenance were at the heart of thisengineering feat. The fountain structure was builtusing a bronze and aluminium alloy designed toresist extreme conditions. Crystal and light havebeen combined in a tailor-made lighting feature. This crystal, which was specially designed for theproject and boasts a unique, patented and assemblymethod, is weather-proof and capable of resistingenvironmental changes. More than 250 people participated in the design andbuilding of these fountains to produce technologicalwonders on a par with the most complex aeronauticworks or timepieces. Over the course of three years, around fifty models, including five in real-size, and as many development steps were required toadjust all the technical and aesthetic aspects ofthis work. The expertise and cutting-edgetechnologies of the forty workshops and companieswho took part in this unique adventure, and thesharing of knowledge and skills are what enabled usto develop this exceptional project