La Defense Gets New Look

The main Paris business district of La Defense is getting a makeover with new buildings, a more people-friendlier orientation and additional residential housing. The business district, which is the largest such designated area in Europe, was created in the late 1950s as a center for modern businesses and to keep the new skyscrapers from altering the traditional look of the city. It is located on the western edge of Paris and contains a number of modern buildings as well as many sculptures and outdoor art works.

The La Defense Management & Development Office announced a new development plan to modernize and regenerate the district in 2006. Over the past several years there have been a number of new buildings as well as an increased focus on ecological factors and a higher quality of life for those who live and work here. The entire La Defense regeneration project is set for completion in 2015.

Several iconic skyscrapers are planned for La Defense, such as Tour Generali, Tour Signal, and the two Hermitage Plaza towers, which are being designed by Sir Norman Foster. Tour Signal is planned for West Gate and is meant to open up the district to the municipality of Puteaux. Tour Generali is being constructed for the Italian insurance company, Assicurazioni Generali, and is being constructed on the site of the old Iris building. It will be very green oriented, with photovoltaic cells and water collection units to keep operating costs to a minimum. The whole area will become a more enjoyable place to work and live when the project is complete.

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