I love the cladding. Great pictures :)

+1 :cheers:

From french forum

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4615272371_8b7a9aeb5e_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4615281297_3c62538465_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4615899256_28c969a327_b.jpg
Progression,

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4615891922_815afbeba5_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4615302521_0feb64a591_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4615317729_24b0289694_b.jpg[/QUOTE]

wow!! its so shiny! :O

nice tower; looks kind of short though, but that's because it's probably quite wide.

Bravo!...magnifique...:cheers:

Great tower! :nuts:

Taken this morning from Ternes metro station, 3.6km away.

http://www.izipik.com/images/201005/20/hotayxiqeckskft1nz-first1.jpg

http://www.izipik.com/images/201005/20/iwgsuplqeq54j973jp-first2.jpg

one of the best looking claddings i'*ve ever seen^^,very beautiful

Very beautiful, 9/10 :banana:

Tower FIrst (that's its name) is a great addition to Paris' skyline I agree. However I must admit that the clad is not terrific (looks cheap) when the weather's very sunny, but when it's a bit cloudy, (like in some of the above pictures) FIrst looks definitely awesome :). Its "mirror effect" is wicked IMO. I can't wait for it to be done...

ps: its accurate height is due to be 231m.

La Defense has a new "Peak". Would love to see it in person.

in essence it'll become France's tallest skyscraper, although not the tallest structure.

Excellentt recladding!!!

nice job paris

Before, AXA
http://eras.free.fr/images/r/gan/ganaxar.JPGhttp://img690.imageshack.us/img690/9909/img3613pt1wwwspw1.jpg Now, FIrst

One of the best reclads/renovations i've seen. If I didn't know better I would think that this was a whole new building.

One of the best reclads/renovations i've seen. If I didn't know better I would think that this was a whole new building.

The change in overall appearance is great, a BIG improvement, but ive said it before and i'll say it again, the quality of the cladding is very poor for such a prominent building...

Time and time again, they get the cladding wrong in La'Defense, its the biggest let down when you actually walk amongst the buildings themselves and not just look at them from a distance in photographs...

The change in overall appearance is great, a BIG improvement, but ive said it before and i'll say it again, the quality of the cladding is very poor for such a prominent building...

Time and time again, they get the cladding wrong in La'Defense, its the biggest let down when you actually walk amongst the buildings themselves and not just look at them from a distance in photographs...

TBH the cladding doesn't look half as bad as I thought it was going to when it first started going on. We should wait to see the completed effect before judging IMO.

Surreal picture (number 1) of the Champs Elysées (green!) with FIrst in the background:

http://www.lemonde.fr/societe/portfolio/2010/05/23/la-foule-se-presse-pour-voir-les-champs-elysees-passer-au-vert_1361939_3224.html (http://www.lemonde.fr/societe/portfolio/2010/05/23/la-foule-se-presse-pour-voir-les-champs-elysees-passer-au-vert_1361939_3224.html)

I don't think anyone will miss the old one. I think the new one is great, and I don't see it stealing from the London tower at all.

Yes, Cyril from the french speaking forum does miss the original Axa...amazingly he truly hates FIrst(both the shape & the clad).:weirdo:.

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http://photo.lejdd.fr/media/images/societe/champs-elysees-plan-large/2093018-1-fre-FR/Champs-Elysees-plan-large_pics_809.jpg

http://www.lejdd.fr/Societe/Images/Les-Champs-Elysees-se-mettent-au-vert/

:)It's like a fat blocky version of the Pinnacle

New Photos.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4663249853_928da09774_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4663245333_abcc3a22c8_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4663238563_ecce0cea4a_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4663235087_0f4da88d0d_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4663228981_0b0bf00536_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4663222025_70452ab2d8_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4663835704_cb1036e015_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4663206247_aa8cd5e63f_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4663192683_4054f285ea_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4663809124_66c2746970_b.jpg


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4663181411_83b3954eb0_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4663177277_036a428041_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4663796176_ac9b078fc0_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4663792398_ae19cb41e6_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4663788090_7f51cf35db_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4663782668_1992dd4b8a_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1283/4663156401_27648a0436_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4663775068_2d4b1f6723_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4663148909_c978222f55_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4663765822_9ef9e7315a_b.jpg

Amazing pics and tower but I think you guys are right, the cladding could be better

This towers cladding seems to be Marmite. Personally, I love Marmite!

I think this tower is fantastic and a great re-clad. A great addition to LDF's skyline.

not a fan of the cladding myself

I have very mixed feelings about the cladding itself... It will hopefully look much better once the window-washers have at it. I do think that the big, overall, diagonal differentiations in the facade materials are very cool. As for smaller details, I somewhat like the roofline parapet, with the rows of triangles each standing on a point, but I absolutely can't get to appreciate the same shapes reflected below the roofline, at all those different angles and heights. Up close, the details seem to me rather messy, or even thoughtless. It looks great from further away, though, and really adds an interesting form to the skyline. In these respects, I'd say it is quite the opposite of Tour Montparnasse, which I always found to be completely hideous until I stood right across the street from it.

Once completed, FIrst will pretty much look like this:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_JNTE73d4IJI/SvEsooJi8GI/AAAAAAAAKJk/hX1L1R5iqpg/s320/Tour+First.jpg

It definitely is a great addition to the parisian skyline but I agree on the fact that they should have chosen a better clad, I said it many times...from afar it looks amazing but closely it doesn't look terrific. FIrst actually has 2 faces, it looks stunning when the weather is cloudy, and plain when sunny. Luckily, the tower's shape is unique and make FIrst stand out so much :). In the very beginning of the project, a spire was supposed to be installed but that idea finally was abandoned.

To sum up, a very nice tower which could have been great with a different clad (but overall, it's so much better than the previous Axa building...)

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7996/axaxe3.jpg
Before, AXA...now, FIrst.

The accurate height is 231 m guys & FIrst became france's tallest skyscraper (not for long though...)can we guys rectify its height up there in the thread's title?

Merci!:wave:

PS: QuarterMileSideWalk, as far as Montparnasse tower is concerned, it's very likely to be reclad as part as the Grand Paris project, I saw it, it would be promising, but it's still in talks so we'll have to see...bye!

The accurate height is 231 m guys & FIrst became france's tallest skyscraper (not for long though...)can we guys rectify its height up there in the thread's title?



why do you say that the accurate height is 231m? in the photos I took you see it saids 225m :nuts::nuts:

Well, if we rely on the most recent plans (as well as on the building permit), its height definitely is 231m up to its tip (& 240m if the mast is confirmed, which is very unlikely). :)

Well, if we rely on the most recent plans (as well as on the building permit), its height definitely is 231m up to its tip (& 240m if the mast is confirmed, which is very unlikely). :)

sorry for my ignorance, but where can I see those most recent plans?

PS: QuarterMileSideWalk, as far as Montparnasse tower is concerned, it's very likely to be reclad as part as the Grand Paris project, I saw it, it would be promising, but it's still in talks so we'll have to see...bye!

Ooooo... that could be interesting...

That's a pretty awesome refurb, it's like a one-up from a simple reclad. Looks great from the renders. :)

migölsorry for my ignorance, but where can I see those most recent plans?

Hi dude. Actually my previous response was the translation of a "specialist's" on the french speaking forum:

Indy G
En se fiant aux plans les plus récents (ainsi qu'au PC), elle fait 231m à sa pointe (et 240m si le mat était confirmé, ce qui ne semblait plus être le cas).

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=336011&page=56 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=336011&page=56)

Given that he's been on SSC for several years and that he's meticulous, I rely on him, furthermore the moderators did not contradict him.:) However I'll try to manage to get those "plans"!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2418/2125473770_df3d0a4760_o.jpg
^^Can you see FIrst in this picture...no? That's normal, it wasn't born yet :lol:.

the tour kickoff will be on febuary 22 2010. its a european tour which is sad for me because i dont think my parents would let me go all the way to europe to see a tokio hotel concert. )= i think it might cost about uhhh idk 30 -50 somethin dollars. lol i really dont know. :P

migöl

Hi dude. Actually my previous response was the translation of a "specialist's" on the french speaking forum:




oh je ne savais pas qu´il y avait un forum francais pour la tour first. tu as déjà mis mes photos dans le forum..... merci ;)

Today

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu358/unpieton/paris/01-1-3.jpg

http://i663.photobucket.com/albums/uu358/unpieton/paris/02-2-1.jpg

so what is this, the tallest one in France now or what?

Yes, let's hope it won't be so for too long.

http://www.greenzer.fr/sites/default/files/esp%C3%A8ces-menac%C3%A9es/tour-first-1.jpg

http://www.greenzer.fr/sites/default/files/esp%C3%A8ces-menac%C3%A9es/tour-first-2.jpg

http://www.greenzer.fr/sites/default/files/esp%C3%A8ces-menac%C3%A9es/tour-first-25.jpg
3 pics by Alice Muntz-Portal

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v639/vuarnet/f1.jpgPicture taken yesterday by Stéphane

Bastille Day military parade (today)in the downpours:

http://photo.lejdd.fr/media/images/societe/patrouille-de-france/2199919-1-fre-FR/Patrouille-de-France_pics_809.jpg

Source: http://www.lejdd.fr/Societe/Images/Le-14-Juillet-en-images2/

Ohh very nice! Looks just as good as the renders IMO. A good mix of different building styles there, and a stunning view of Paris from the top! Can the public get up there and enjoy the view?

^^Not to my knowledge Asunarocks, but it will probably be the case from the top part of Hermitage Plaza(mixed use)which will be way taller :).

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Found on Flickr by pierolol!

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1208/4728570624_3fdc2fe7b2_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1106/4727857323_7559f4a5e9_b.jpg
Pictures by Samuel Asselin

^^Not to my knowledge Asunarocks, but it will probably be the case from the top part of Hermitage Plaza(mixed use)which will be way taller :).


Ah I see, make sense that the owners wouldnt want tourists trapsing through their office block. Thats three more good reasons to visit Paris then 1/ See the completed New Tour Axa 2/ See Hermitage Plaza and 3/ see the view from the top :cheers:

^^Tower FIrst (which you call New Axa 2 lol) will be delivered in March 2011 but Hermitage Plaza is due to be completed late 2015/early 2016, hope you won't be waiting that long to visit the 'City of light'!:)

http://referentiel.nouvelobs.com/file/982528.jpg
Hopefully, that empty space in the render (grey line not too far from the top) should be dedicated to the public so they can make the most of the stunning view overlooking the heart of Paris, to be confirmed though...

great photo! great tower! great city! :D

great tower.

Picture by Sandra Chenu Godefroy

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4768478076_963fb0ffb2_b.jpg

Love the paris skyline & think tour axa is a great addition.

I am deeply saddened that Paris has constructed this building... because it is so good.

Ah is Tower FIrst the offical name now? I was just going by the thread title, I hope to be able to visit before 2016 all depends on finances.

Picture taken late June by Fredorod:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4738306215_3bc82f81d9_b.jpg

Loving it :)

Picture by Spouzzi:

http://www.defense-92.fr/photos/ph9927.JPG

I love the first picture too! It's just so perfect and galmorous!

Glamorous and perfect and :omg:!!

Indeed... glam it is not! I'd like an explanation of what's glamorous about it. Very much appreciated. Ta.

^^ the city! the skyline, la defense....Le grand palais... etc...

Oh you are refering to the first picture? Then yes I agree.

Edit:

My bad, didn't read properly. Apologies.

Beautiful tower. I love it.

Cool! Nice pic of the skyline.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4816490526_be1a076de5_o.jpg
Picture by De3p-photographer

http://www.flickr.com/photos/de3p/4816490526/sizes/o/in/photostream/

Thank you for the shot, the skyline looks very good from this angle IMO. Taken from Montmartre I assume...

inclredibly gorgeous Paris!...

looks great :D

Amazing shot by Steph35, our great french photographer:

http://img805.imageshack.us/img805/9924/154h.jpg

You can distinguish FIrst pretty easily in the background :).

Lovely pic! ^^

I want it for my background desktop

:D

OMG,, Fantastic pic!!

Amazing black & white shot of La Défense taken by Sputnik on 25 July:


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4866667129_274db8f612_t.jpghttp://www.flickr.com/photos/sputnik23/4866667129/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Unfortunately this pic cannot be displayed on here :(.

^^:bow:

Great Skyline

Pics by Spoudzi:

http://a.imageshack.us/img843/1653/ph10350.jpg http://a.imageshack.us/img837/4302/ph10348.jpg

http://www.defense-92.com/

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One more by Grébert taken on 23 juillet:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4821567960_e0be235523_b.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/monputeaux/4821567960/

...almost done :applause: I can't wait. it lookes amazing :)...and now taller...taller Paris...lead the way...show the world Paris...

!!! :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:
:horse::drunk::carrot::pepper::dance::applause::applause::applause::applause::applause:

Almost done indeed, well, externally :). FIrst is to be delivered early march 2011.

Picture taken today by Sacré Coeur:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_S6IPtOvJBUU/TGPnoXWAxYI/AAAAAAAAAi8/09aqFAviXhk/s1024/IMG_0739.JPG

Many thanks guys for your enthusiasm :)!

Wow, what a beauty!

Axa tower's transformation into FIrst tower month by month (between september 2007 & august 2010).

http://www.ladefense-seine-arche.fr/first.html (http://www.ladefense-seine-arche.fr/first.html)

very nice....:okay:

Great! :)

Very cool, I like how you can control it yourself. More projects should have one of those.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4903705039_9a58905b9f_b.jpg
Picture by Blincom

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4885343850_70a60d997f_b.jpg
Picture by Aisha

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4866667129_274db8f612_b.jpg
Picture by Sputnik

^^:cheers:

Absolutely beautiful and wonderful location! :cheers:

Excellent!

Photos by Milo92 :


http://a.imageshack.us/img840/1681/axa240810a.jpg

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/5256/axa240810c.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img831/4603/axa240810e.jpg[/QUOTE]

She was born yesterday

http://a.imageshack.us/img831/5543/axaaout2010i.jpg
By Milo92

great pics

To whom it may concerns: can you please change the name of this tower?

I asked for it a few weeks ago but nothing has been done...

It's no longer AXA Tower & cannot be named NEW AXA TOWER either as this company left the tower a long time ago!

Its name is now FIrst!

Thank you!:)

http://www.defense-92.fr/photos/ph5859.jpg http://www.jeunesarchi.com/cache/visuels/article/642-213x213.jpg

She was born yesterday

http://a.imageshack.us/img831/5543/axaaout2010i.jpg
By Milo92

great shot of the top of the building. i like it :cheers:

WOW, she looks good! What a glorious transformation.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4932057073_ff519940ea_b.jpg

Did you take this picture Minato Ku?
I love it!!

From rue de la République in Puteaux (a street between La Défense and the center of Puteaux).

Pic by Milo92 taken on 27 august:

http://a.imageshack.us/img841/5688/axaaout2010o.jpg

:)

ps: lovely pic Minato!

Why did they mess it up at the top like that? It would have looked better if only they'd kept it simple.... :(

Is this the Bishopsgate Towers ugly sister?

^Ugly? It's elegant and sleek.

Bishopsgate Tower will be First's sister ;)

^Ugly? It's elegant and sleek.

Bishopsgate Tower will be First's sister ;)

Amigo, just know that for many brits (not all thank God) anything french necessarily is, for some reasons, either ugly or bad (or even both lol), it's just the way it is! We're used to it...:lol:

ps: dices hola a nuestros vecinos espanoles por favor!Madrid, que bonita...
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Pic taken by mamnic47 on 20 august:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4910958357_7830f61cc8_b.jpg

Roll on Hermitage Plaza next to it...:wave:

Its not ugly in itself (and WAY better than what it replaced), but compared to Bishopsgate it most certainly is.

Mate, Bishopgate is not built yet. Compare what is comparable.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4928645092_beddd1b8e1_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4933695609_3fb8839413_b.jpg

Minatoku Jex44 post

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4932057073_ff519940ea_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4910958805_a423433000_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4911561224_76604dfd9c_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4910958357_7830f61cc8_b.jpg

Photo du même auteur prise le 24:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4923211233_759f48dd4c_b.jpg


Photo de Genzouille prise le 21:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4913213701_9a0f5852c5_b.jpg

Une dernière de Philippe Cottier prise le 21 août:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4914163954_d0810219b1_b.jpg

From Avenue des Ternes, today.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/4949215844_727487c181_b.jpg

^^ :drool: Fantastic tower :D

One again,

MAY YOU PLEASE CHANGE THE AXA NAME INTO FIRST?

FURTHERMORE ITS FINAL HEIGHT ISN'T 240m BUT 225m!

Who's the moderator on here? Correcting this couple of things, that's asking a lot... ????:mad2:

Not doing so is a lack of respect...

Actually, "lack of respect" is the behaviour you are displaying in your post.

The very small staff of this forum does not check every single thread regularly. It'd be best if you reported this changes in the "Status Changes"-thread, that one is checked frequently: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=817316

Please do so in a polite and dignified manner, though.

There's absolutely nothing impolite regarding my previous post(s)...the use of "May" is far from being rude as far as I know.

Furthermore, it must be the 3rd time I'm asking for those 'details' to be possibly changed, but I've never had any response in return, which IS a lack of respect.

Lastly, I've been well educated thanks to my parents, therefore I have nothing to be taught in terms of 'savoir vivre'/to be recommended to do in a 'polite or dignified manner'.

Thank you.

Back on topic.

The use of "may" certainly does not cancel out the rudeness of ALL CAPS writing and lines such as "that's asking a lot... ????" as if the staff is a bunch of complete idiots. That is extremely condescending, and that you don't even realize it and see your post as perfectly polite shows how "well educated" you are.

Now how about some education in common sense? Look at the number of threads in the World Development News forums, then look at the average number of posts in each thread, then look at the number of staff members for the World Development News forums, then consider that the staff is not paid for their job here, that they have day jobs, probably family and friends as well, and then think about how likely it is that every one of them checks every single post in every single thread in these forums every single day in their unpaid spare time. Again, the behaviour you display is childish and condescending to no end in regard to what you think of these people, how you think you are allowed to yell at them in ALL CAPS with angry emoticons because there's THREE (oh my!) posts of yours they dared not looking at.

I can't believe you honestly think that is decent forum etiquette.

You're free to think whatever you want, I'm not on here to get into some ridiculous & childish debate. My posts date from quite some time, I'm fairly sure one of them coud have been replied to. Given the relative amount of time spent on this particular thread posting photos and stuff, I think that your reaction really is daring...just know that I do have a job as well and it doesn't prevent me from sharing many things with you all, I'm doing it mainly for foreigners not for myself. Now, owing to your lack of consideration(which I'm not running after anyway) I'm very likely to desert this thread, I'm not 10 years old anymore, I'm not here to waste time commenting on meaningless & unfair criticisms. I think you'd better spend your free time contributing differently, if you know what I mean...

The contents of your above posts really is childish and does not deserve some more development from me. I replied to you on here by respect but if you wish to contact me, just do it in private as most of forumers do not give a damn of it all imo and I do understand them.

Bye to the other forumers, that was my full stop.

You could have just admitted that you were out of line by yelling at the staff instead of starting a "childish debate" that you claim you are not here for (why start it then?), and taken my advice about posting in the "Status Changes" thread. Instead you waste my time (and yours) with some pointless namecalling and playing victim. Have it your way. Good riddance.

One again,

MAY YOU PLEASE CHANGE THE AXA NAME INTO FIRST?

FURTHERMORE ITS FINAL HEIGHT ISN'T 240m BUT 225m!

Who's the moderator on here? Correcting this couple of things, that's asking a lot... ????:mad2:

Not doing so is a lack of respect...

The real height to the very top is 231 m

I don´t like what they did with the cladding on top. Apart from that...stunning tower!

Is this the Bishopsgate Towers ugly sister?

:lol:

:lol:

Say what you want, don't be affraid.

Being it's ugly sister or not, I still find it a very attractive piece of architecture ;)

Bonjour,

From yesterday,
Fallen time , a big-up for JEX return home !

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5058843747_1ed78652dd_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5059455764_d96c23c6ac_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5058842463_ea7ca55160_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5059454666_4d1d44752e_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5058841389_82cd67b963_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5059453572_d543cd4ef6_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5058844357_bdf3a19dfd_b.jpg

Bonus ...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5059458162_2ede3f7fd9_b.jpg

Dramatically changes the skyline, the previous building was ugly and right in front of the skyline from the Arc de Triomphe, this new one removes a ugly building for a good one.

2010/10/08 ,

Futur Lobby !

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5063181012_437a8dab95_b.jpg

North-east view

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/5063184960_8f800b8acd_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5063185958_816f3e5d75_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5063182998_4760cc1c27_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5063179716_e834ecc8bf_b.jpg

North

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4146/5063177610_0439226c3d_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5063176482_ffbc4de785_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/5062564687_b1873abf0d_b.jpg

With Effel Tower on the bottom right of the picture.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5063173016_8ef58aa0e2_b.jpg

true, most of the claddings in the world seem to be quite the same...I mean like 10 different kinds...

Hello,

Taking from Porte Maillot-Neuilly :

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/5076642325_ebc51c7653_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5077229192_14c002e0d4_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/5077220300_0b786e55f9_b.jpg

Bonus Grand Palais & La Defense

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/5077259934_319a2ca1f9_b.jpg

http://i23.servimg.com/u/f23/13/03/82/66/cimg1510.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=158&u=13038266)

Taken yesterday from my moving car ^^
see the top from NEUILLY SUR SEINE.

Pics taken lately by Philippe Cottier:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1211/5102955002_503960505b_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1321/5102355713_0dcdae90f2_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5083661618_8ee328ccaa_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/5083062553_41b75acf7c_z.jpg

Shots by Pete Howard (october 2010)

^^ These are beautiful pics, thanks.

The motifs at the top of the tower would have looked good if they weren't so random. The way they actually are they ruin the top IMO.

Looks like a cheap version of the pinnacle.

Looks like a cheap version of the pinnacle.

The Pinnacle is more like an expensive version of this :lol:

Looks like a cheap version of the pinnacle.

Yes the design is similar but I actually think the quality of the cladding on this building is rather good. It's better to judge which is better after Pinnacle is completed:)

This tower was restored and it was built in 1974 so she can't be comparable with the pinnacle which is not built whereas this tower is 36 years old. Thus the people who allow themselves to criticize without anything to know should keep silent themselves.

http://www.gringoire.com/wp-content/uploads/tour-first-la-defense.jpg

Looks like a cheap version of the pinnacle.

Your so beautiful tower is not build! So, how can you over-estimated the pinnacle tower?

This formidable refurbishment is a technical prowess. Make the same thing in London and we will can criticize.

May you please stop bashing FIrst by comparing it to the Pinnacle once for good?

As Galik said, FIrst is a RESTRUCTURING from an existing building when Pinnacle is (well, might be) a NEW CONSTRUCTION. You guys have no idea how complicated this restoration has been for engineers (was a real challenge, never done before), had to rebuild the core by the top, working out its final weight for the new tower not to collapse (more piling added) and so forth...so please enquire first before making unfair comments.


Just to give you an idea, check this out:

http://www.ladefense-seine-arche.fr/les-lieux/la-defense/les-travaux-de-la-tour-first-au-jour-le-jour.html (http://www.ladefense-seine-arche.fr/les-lieux/la-defense/les-travaux-de-la-tour-first-au-jour-le-jour.html)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5083661618_8ee328ccaa_b.jpg

That is a lovely photo.

And people, design similarities or not, I don't see how anyone can deny that this REFURBISHMENT has not been a feat? It looks like a completely different tower, they've done an awesome job. I don't think I've ever seen a refurbishment/reconfiguration done so ambitiously. And to be fair it looks a lot less like the Pinnacle than one box skyscraper does to the next.

Beautiful design, I love it, goes well with the surrounding buildings...

9.5/10. This is a beautiful building. If they will only now remove that horrible gateway looking building that the road from the Arc de Triomphe leads to. What a horrible design!

Stunning transformation!

9.5/10. This is a beautiful building. If they will only now remove that horrible gateway looking building that the road from the Arc de Triomphe leads to. What a horrible design!

Where? What is this building?

Manitopiaaa must be part of the very few people not to like the Grande Arche...:weirdo:

Magnificent building, absolutely love it. French people have very good taste and sense of beauty.

i prefer the original a lot more. this building looks like a joke.

Indeed, this building is a triumph of refurbishment and stands proud because of it with all due integrity. I think it looks classy with just enough detailing features to add a little interest without detracting from the overall whole.

Well executed, and well done!

i prefer the original a lot more. this building looks like a joke.

Vive la difference!:)

Today, pics taken by me

http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad5/unpieton2/01-7.jpg
http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad5/unpieton2/02-7.jpg
http://i916.photobucket.com/albums/ad5/unpieton2/03-6.jpg

Nice! Looks really modern at night.

Stunning :yes:

http://www.immobilieretservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Tour_First.jpg

BY CYRIL
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5194062531_5e78e1a4d1_b.jpg

Vue sous son plus bel angle (?) avec un ciel et une lumière de m...(désolé) :

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1397/5140347035_3c840a4c56_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/5008754115_73ec418861_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/5077220300_0b786e55f9_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1164/5125225855_d7bb720a07_b.jpg

The way to follow

Gorgeous photos on this page..... wow!

best skyscraper in France so far!

Yeah, but only until Tours Hermitage is completed! ;)

Nice photos, impressive and beautiful tower !

It looks brilliant at night and in low light.

By Philippe Cottier on 4 november:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1149/5151743873_a9f3625865_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1107/5146230217_8db959f088_b.jpg

By cam_a_lot:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1063/5148600366_ea5d2dea79_b.jpg
Late august 2010

The term renovation doesn't really do it justice.

^^That is why the term "reconstruction" is used instead.

Looks really nice!!

Good but Frankfurt is better

And you are a bad guy! Frankfurt! It's not the question!

Pic taken on 4 november by Gladly Beyond:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1064/5150228825_2d99a384db_b.jpg

Fantastic view from the fast growing skyline of Paris.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5241083108_2480c41d93_b.jpg
By Darrell Godliman

OMG...... La Defense looks great in this picture!!!

Paris je t'aime!!

Fantastic photo with the addition of the 2 newest skyscrapers!

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1356/5116548573_46e1e57a3b_b.jpg
By Cedric Thual (oct. 2010)

@ Nightsky: only FIrst is new dude :)

Great shoot :)

Nice shot.....:okay:

Good shots actually this tower is growing on me - I never used to like it but I'm turning. Not saying I'm in love yet but...

One of the best reclads I've ever seen. The original tower was so hideous. This one is beautiful. Now if they could do the same to Tour Montparnasse.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1091/5151747651_3f90cac646_b.jpg
By Philippe Cottier

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5087/5283853976_98fd44992c_b.jpg
By Images XIIC

^^ From what bridge was that shot taken?? Do you know? :)

That shot was taken from the Neuilly's bridge.

Great :)

That shot was taken from the Neuilly's bridge.

Thanks! I'm visiting Paris in may 2011 you see, and it's a great angle to take pictures of La Defense.

By Philippe Cottier (late november):

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5090/5286446682_298edc3fa4_b.jpg

Happy new year to you all!:wave:

MY GOD!!!
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1356/5116548573_46e1e57a3b_b.jpg

ah!developed nations!they are just so sleek and cool!!!

By Fredorod on 15 january:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5286/5362113316_c68d106fd9_b.jpg



http://www.flickr.com/photos/40883102@N02/5362113316/

It's a great building! Looks great in La Defense. I saw it myself a couple of months ago.

Just think....if London and Paris were joined!! Let's think, for all the anglo-french squabbling we have actually created 2 of the biggest man-made ventures in the world: Concorde and the Channel Tunnel! Just think if we were in another world, politically and economically closer what we could achieve!

this is the first tower which gives la defense a better look it had to less height diffirent

It's a great building! Looks great in La Defense. I saw it myself a couple of months ago.

Just think....if London and Paris were joined!! Let's think, for all the anglo-french squabbling we have actually created 2 of the biggest man-made ventures in the world: Concorde and the Channel Tunnel! Just think if we were in another world, politically and economically closer what we could achieve!

and the Milau viaduct

By Fredorod on 15 january:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5286/5362113316_c68d106fd9_b.jpg



http://www.flickr.com/photos/40883102@N02/5362113316/

Must say that this pic really sells it for me :)

Photos by Lawrent taken on 10 January:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5009/5345801699_9c84c4f46c_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1364/5179298904_77077b0c9d_b.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/laurentkronental/5345801699/

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5133/5414232094_b33032b762_b.jpg
03/02/11

Those pictures look like renders..

I just got done looking at London's pinnacle. They both look really similar :(

The pinnacle has rounder shapes this is the female twin?

I just got done looking at London's pinnacle. They both look really similar :(

Tower First & The Pinnacle = same architect (Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates), that's why dude ;).

Here are some pics coming from their official website:

----> http://www.kpf.com/projects/Project169/14848_hr.jpg

http://www.kpf.com/projects/Project169/14846_hr.jpg

To sum up, First is The Pinnacle's little sister :).

http://www.kpf.com/

Here is her big sister The Pinnacle :D
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5213/5420120383_83402a94fe_z.jpg
Pic is downloaded from Google image, unknown author.
(Sorry to post this non-Paris pic on here, mod, you may delete if you think this is irrelevant) :)

That's a great skyline from this view!

@Moderators

Is it possible to add this building to the "rate our talls" section ?
What is the rule for that ?

Thanks in advance for the answer. :)

I have got a bigger and better quality pic if you want :D

Here is her big sister The Pinnacle :D
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5213/5420120383_83402a94fe_z.jpg
Pic is downloaded from Google image, unknown author.
(Sorry to post this non-Paris pic on here, mod, you may delete if you think this is irrelevant) :)

WOW..!!
very good view..!!

I love it

I have got a bigger and better quality pic if you want :D

Yes,we want:)

Paris, London? Oops! I got confused ;)

london rocks

What is this pollution? Do you know what is the respect?
Do you want we change the title of the thread for your majesty?

I speak to the Trolls (AlienB, lucabgo, DzD1358, adam_uk for exemples) ........Allez-voir ailleurs où vous pourrez parler autant que vous voulez de Londres et de La city. Bye trolls :hi:

Edit: Jex je te laisse lui expliquer, ton anglais est meilleur :)

mind your words, i am not a troll and i didn't and haven't said anything bad about Paris, or may be you don't understand what troll means :nuts:

Completion is near, pics of 4, 6 and 12th march 2011:

http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef405p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef405.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef406p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef406.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef407p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef407.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef408p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef408.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef409p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef409.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef410p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef410.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef411p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef411.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef412p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef412.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef413p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef413.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef414p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef414.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef415p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef415.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef416p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef416.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef417p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef417.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef418p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef418.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef419p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef419.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef420p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef420.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef421p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef421.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef422p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef422.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef423p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef423.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef424p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef424.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef425p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef425.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef426p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef426.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef427p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef427.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef428p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef428.jpg) - http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef429p.jpg (http://www.chrispics.fr/defensebis/chdef429.jpg)

:cheers:

Very nice! thx for showing us.

will it have a spire?

No It just has a little tip I think thats better as a tall spire.

i really like this redesign. Obvious question, but i guess this is now the tallest in Paris currently? Much better than Tour Montparnasse having that title IMO

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5241083108_2480c41d93_b.jpg
By Darrell Godliman

La Defence looks amazing in this picture! <3

i really like this redesign. Obvious question, but i guess this is now the tallest in Paris currently? Much better than Tour Montparnasse having that title IMO

yes it is the tallest in Paris and France...... but I still miss a spire :(

http://www.batiactu.com/images/normal/20110331_153711_photo-tour-okokok.jpg

http://www.batiactu.com/images/normal/20110331_163444_photo-en-plus-tour-ok.jpg

http://www.urbanews.fr/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Tour-First-La-Defense.jpg
Its inauguration will take place on 5 may

http://www.batiactu.com/edito/apres-3-ans-de-travaux-bouygues-livre-la-tour-firs-28631.php

Source: Batiactu

My pics are far from being terrific (crap camera) but here they are though:

http://img860.imageshack.us/img860/4251/fvrier2011.jpg

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/3109/photosdfense052.jpg

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/5480/photosdfense049.jpg

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/4626/photosdfense048.jpg

http://img861.imageshack.us/img861/4025/photosdfense043.jpg

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/7129/photosdfense038.jpg

la defense looks so futuristic!

Great sunset pic Jex7844! Is the official height 231m? Emporis state 225m - but what do they know...

la defense looks so futuristic!

This tower yes but some 70 80,s in la defense make it look old.

231m is the right height with the little tip. I think emporis shows the 1 without it.

Many thanks Frankus Maximus :). Like Dutchsnookerfan said, the official height definitely is 231m. La Défense is over 60 years old, that's why it has so many old towers...but a few ones will be taken down or facelifted this year (AURORE to be demolished in september to make way for AIR2 ,202m, Descartes being currently transformed, multicolorful new clad...)
The good news is that a second 'Plan de Renouveau' is to be unveiled this year. This second phase of the renewal plan will be aimed at the left hand side of La Défense (Puteaux), with around 7 news towers!It will therefore rebalance the financial district.

^^ Or the left wing will win the presidential elections in 2012 and the second plan will be cancelled out.

That would suck. I'm really excited for those plans. I've been searching through Flickr for photo spots in La Defense. I was about to go in the first week of may but my trip got cancelled. Hopefully I will be able to visit Paris this year, probably this summer or in october. I've also seen a bunch of pictures of this building completely being lit up. Does this mean that it's fully occupied now? Completed?

I like it. could be in Hongkong too :cheers:

Taken by Syl2m on 20/02:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5211/5460371282_8e44b157f6_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5054/5553432379_3993c4903d_b.jpg
By Lawrent on 23 march

It exceeded my expectations, and I definately like that extra detailing of the crown that I don't recall being in the early renderings.

a Jex78: Know we when will be the beginning of the second "Plan de relance" (with de 7 towers)?
ps: désolé pour mon anglais. :D

By Shangaisoundbites on 6 january:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/5447949780_9b5634faab_b.jpg

@ Parisiencharentais: we might now when by the end of this year I think... :)

First's inauguration tonight:

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/2782/firstnuita.jpg

http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/4231/firstnuitb.jpg
Pics by Milo

Good ilumination!

Do this to guy's tower please. ;D

OT: nice transformation. looks greattt. who knew something can turn into that.

Some more pics by Spoudzzi:

http://img802.imageshack.us/img802/9456/ph20615.jpg

http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/8974/ph20614.jpg

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/2447/ph20613.jpg

http://img809.imageshack.us/img809/3973/ph20612.jpg

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/7382/ph20611.jpg

http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/2443/ph20610.jpg

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/9021/ph20609.jpg

Nice tower and really impressive lit up! Will it be always like this, or just for the inauguration?

It was just for the inauguration dude. Having said that we all hope that it will be slightly lit up constantly from tonight...we'll see, I'll let you know anyway :).

This is, in my opinion, how First will look from tonight. This pic was taken on 4 may by Philippe Cottier. The lighting is much sober but pretty nice imo...Let's see what happens later on.


http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5288/5688249367_2a5f9b1595_b.jpg
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Another 2 great shots by Philippe Cottier taken on 5 may:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5693188314_fb753b454f_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5225/5688476143_02031e4716_b.jpg
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

By David Min:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5693355701_a519fd0382_b.jpg

video/xil81m_inauguration-de-la-tour-first_news
Video by Defense-92

Very nice movie. Great nigh color light sheme.

By Philippe Cottier on 4 may:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3287/5708133676_1eb33c4c88_b.jpg

I like this tower even if the base is fat!

Sorry for the delay

https://api.mescontenus.orange.fr/gate/dungeonwire.php?wirecode=XpztORythvxs1A1yyPZjY3hHiXVpcu9Jsr6wbfJUdjZHp


https://api.mescontenus.orange.fr/gate/dungeonwire.php?wirecode=tHYQxYiwSS1FEFsi5manCBqXFVl104Qw337YZK2NzVv8D

https://api.mescontenus.orange.fr/gate/dungeonwire.php?wirecode=cblvHlDqCdd6VvaNdBbbBEdnFbf7cCuLNfZzULkqncvJE

https://api.mescontenus.orange.fr/gate/dungeonwire.php?wirecode=nXTNZDXGGffWqoObIMcWHsdWfM48bqUIoKWz7L6D9mivG

https://api.mescontenus.orange.fr/gate/dungeonwire.php?wirecode=tDFIj11wkhiBNNXgDX4cXazroKbAmMfVfEAtSb9qqDio1

https://api.mescontenus.orange.fr/gate/dungeonwire.php?wirecode=LoQ8Ue7CUSHq9JshRe28hrpQ06taybb2kAt4KpbVnnzf7

https://api.mescontenus.orange.fr/gate/dungeonwire.php?wirecode=QFhirBMA8wDyLESPnvsi6roTqIFk1uaLOqOlwX6zLJKR5

https://api.mescontenus.orange.fr/gate/dungeonwire.php?wirecode=6b20nbBbOB6HhQP33jx7Iaki7WtFslp3YEqEXbNY0jTtk

https://api.mescontenus.orange.fr/gate/dungeonwire.php?wirecode=lCYa1nhLhhB6dDpv1xejD5fQ3nF9E0p1HdLTGi5B7KwRO

https://api.mescontenus.orange.fr/gate/dungeonwire.php?wirecode=8EuDkaHO4HMkGTDQcbSVD5G6ouPOcmAQ74MEdQRmewg1j


https://api.mescontenus.orange.fr/gate/dungeonwire.php?wirecode=8KkJI9Xd85Avq98T7FApfKpil6qxEWl3NO2W4YtNDT70t

Very smart how they build that new tower on top of the old one.

^^ Yeap dude :)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

By romvi on 13 june:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5820238447_fc9e034daf_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3230/5829146281_0e664bb42a_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6076604628_94195516c8_b.jpg
By ROMAIN VILLA
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On 14th July for our 'Bastille Day'

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/5936931696_7703a9982b_b.jpg
Pic by Mamnic47

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

By Philippe Cottier, feb.2012:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6837454015_4b45e9e4c3_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6812619941_e72ae882fa_b.jpg

By Isabelle Des
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6582661467_63285d553f_b.jpg

:soon:PS: late april, a permanent multicoloured lighting scheme will be installed at the top of Tower FIRST (as well as two neon signs Ernst & Young/Euler Hermes) , the lighting will also enable patterns to be created. Finally, please note that our french Spiderman Alain Robert will climb France's tallest office tower late april as well, this time legally!:lol:

-------------------------------------------------------------

By ddphoto56
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6822658587_07fbfe716f_b.jpg
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By RandySpiers Photography http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6662465747_3c65d30a41_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7068/6951483997_0b55148523_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6929616487_9e9ba42e74_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6783495540_b81dacc5ca_b.jpg
All pics by Eric Constantini

wow that detailing on the top is so simple yet so nice. if this thing could stay lit like at the innauguration, this would be the nicest skyscraper in europe imo.

^^ Yes, a decent changing lighting would be faboulous. On June, 13th, First is massively shining from inside instead. Is this common, that floors are almost completely lit in the evening?

But not to forget: great work - maybe the best redesign of a renovated tower I can remember and so much more than just a change of cladding. A big enrichment for the skyline of La Défense . Chapeau! :applause:

Wonderful tower, perfect renewal .

Man the tower looks great with the night lighting.