Tour Perret

Tower in Amiens

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Bfauvergue

The Tour Perret in Amiens stands as a significant emblem of post-war reconstruction and architectural innovation. Designed by the renowned architect Auguste Perret in 1942, the tower was conceived as part of a comprehensive plan to rebuild the area around the Amiens railway station, which had suffered extensive damage during World War II. Construction commenced in July 1949, with the foundation stone laid in May 1950, and the structure was completed by March 1952. At its inauguration, the tower reached a height of 104 meters, making it the tallest building in Western Europe at the time.

The tower’s construction marked a pioneering use of reinforced concrete, a material that Perret championed throughout his career. The design features a quadrangular base rising 19 stories, transitioning into a polygonal section for the next five floors, culminating in a conciergerie at the top. Despite its architectural significance, the tower initially faced challenges in attracting occupants due to higher construction costs leading to elevated rental prices. It remained largely unoccupied until 1959, when architect François Spoerry acquired the building and transformed it into a private condominium, completing the interior fittings and making it suitable for residential and office use.

In 2005, the Tour Perret underwent a notable enhancement with the addition of a glass cube at its summit, known as the “Sablier de lumière” or “Hourglass of Light,” designed by architect Thierry Van de Wyngaert. This modern feature, composed of active glass panels illuminated by neon lights, varies in color and intensity, adding a dynamic visual element to the Amiens skyline. This addition increased the tower’s height to 110 meters. Recognized for its architectural and historical significance, the Tour Perret was designated a historic monument in 1975 and continues to be a prominent landmark symbolizing the resilience and modernization of Amiens in the post-war era.

The Tour Perret appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Amiens!

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