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Les Fontaines des Champs-Elysées ­ 2019

Les Fontaines des Champs-Elysées, 2019 (©Studio Bouroullec)









For the new fountains of the Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées, we wanted to offer this exceptional and popular site, which articulates joys and sorrows, a highly ambitious technical and aesthetic creation intended for everyone.

Our aim was to blend into the urban landscape, to highlight as delicately as possible the view between Place de la Concorde and Place de l’Etoile, and to subtly mark the passage from the peace and quiet of the gardens to the bustle of the Avenue des Champs-Elysées. W
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e sought to find the right balance between this unique historical setting and a modern offering.

These fountains, erected in six basins, interweave water, light and movement and restore the symmetry of the site. Each structure consists of a 13m-high central mast in bronze, which supports a series of crystal light hangings through which the water flows and falls.

The fountains revolve slowly to accompany passers-by and the movement of traffic. Their ballet mirrors the natural choreography of the setting. This rotation, in addition to the mirror-like effects of the crystals, produces a continuous shimmer and provides an ever-changing perspective.

The chains of crystal reflect the variations in the light, the seasons, the skies, the trees and the headlights of cars. At nightfall, the fountains light up to evoke a luminous, aerial display. Like a marvel presented to passers-by, their aim is to create feelings of surprise and joy. These feelings are also enhanced by the play of water, its musicality and cheerfulness.

From the workers to the engineers, from our workshop staff to the technicians, the passionate energy and generosity of all those involved has contributed to producing this outstanding piece of work. A genuinely collective intelligence gradually took shape to meet the technical complexity of this undertaking. Durability, a rigorous assembly and ease of maintenance were at the heart of this engineering feat. The fountain structure was built using a bronze and aluminium alloy designed to resist extreme conditions. Crystal and light have been combined in a tailor-made lighting feature. This crystal, which was specially designed for the project and boasts a unique, patented composition and assembly method, is weather-proof and capable of resisting environmental changes.

More than 250 people participated in the design and building of these fountains to produce technological wonders on a par with the most complex aeronautic works or timepieces. Over the course of three years, around fifty models, including five in real-size, and as many development steps were required to adjust all the technical and aesthetic aspects of this work. The expertise and cutting-edge technologies of the forty workshops and companies who took part in this unique adventure, and the sharing of knowledge and skills are what enabled us to develop this exceptional project.

It is an immense joy and honour for us to have brought together this unique collective of expertise and craft excellence to serve a creation which will belong to everyone.

©Claire Lavabre / Studio Bouroullec


©Studio Bouroullec


©ilightfilms


©Charles Pétillon


©Charles Pétillon


©Claire Lavabre / Studio Bouroullec


©Claire Lavabre / Studio Bouroullec


©Studio Bouroullec


©Charles Pétillon


©Charles Pétillon


©Claire Lavabre / Studio Bouroullec


©Charles Pétillon


©ilightfilms


©Studio Bouroullec


©Claire Lavabre / Studio Bouroullec


©Claire Lavabre / Studio Bouroullec


©Claire Lavabre / Studio Bouroullec


©Atelier BLAM


©Atelier BLAM


©Swarovski