Hôtel de la Marine – Glass and Light in Paris Architecture
Paris architecture in a new light. At the Hôtel de la Marine on Place de la Concorde, modern design meets historical elegance. I photographed this bold transformation where glass and polished metal evoke the facets of a gemstone—an architectural jewel hidden in the heart of the city.
The courtyard of the Hôtel de la Marine, on Place de la Concorde, offers a striking example of how classical and contemporary architecture can coexist in harmony. Between the second and third floors—just at the limit of the 19th-century addition—a glass canopy and metallic structure have been inserted with surgical precision. Designed by architect Hugh Hutton, this canopy draws inspiration from the opulence of 18th-century crystal chandeliers and the geometric facets of cut gemstones.
During my photo shoot, the steel structure reflected both the warm tones of the building’s stone façade and the silvery glint of the sunlit sky. It created a luminous contrast where materials, light, and angles interacted in a constantly shifting display—framed by the open sky.
The architect’s vision is a success: the blend of glass and metal truly evokes the brilliance of a finely cut jewel. This subtle and elegant fusion pays tribute to Parisian tradition while embracing the aesthetics of modern design.
Click on the photos below to view them in full screen.
All the photos displayed on this website are copyright protected © Sebastien Desnoulez. No use allowed without written authorization.
Legal notice
Tags
