In Paris, construction will begin on the long-planned glass skyscraper in the shape of a pyramid

Paris – The construction of a glass skyscraper in the shape of a pyramid called La Tour Triangle will begin in Paris this year, consisting of 48 floors. The initiative for building a modern structure that would architecturally bring the French capital closer to London was given in 2008 by the then socialist mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoë. The 180-meter-high building at Porte de Versailles will include a hotel, apartments, a daycare, shops, offices, and cultural spaces, The Times reported today.

After decades of discussions and legal disputes, last week Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) secured an investor for its project. The investor is the insurance company AXA. The construction of the skyscraper will cost 700 million euros (17.9 billion crowns). The ratio in which both companies share the financing of the project has not been disclosed, BFM TV reported.

The city council, led by Anne Hidalgo, Delanoë's protégé and successor, initially rejected the project in November 2014. A few months later, while two similarly tall buildings rose in the suburbs of Paris, the council approved the modified La Tour Triangle project. This marked the end of 40 years without the construction of a single skyscraper in Paris.

Philippe Goujon, the mayor of the 15th arrondissement where the building will be erected, has concerns about the construction of the pyramid. According to him, "all the residents of this district" oppose it.

URW argues that the project has significant advantages and is more than just an office building. It points to the exceptionally high energy efficiency of the building, coworking spaces, and the daycare that will benefit local residents. The construction of the building will create 5,000 jobs.

The glass pyramid, designed by Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, is expected to be completed in 2026. The original plans had aimed for 2024, coinciding with the Olympic Games to be held in Paris, Le Figaro reported.