Takis Basin at La Défense – Post-Lockdown Reflections and Urban Silence
A suspended space in the heart of La Défense. Captured after the first lockdown, this black-and-white photo of the Takis Basin explores silence, reflections, and graphic composition in a setting that felt almost unreal.
The Takis Basin, located in the center of the La Défense business district, offers a striking contrast between modern architecture and a surreal atmosphere. This image was taken in September 2020, during my first outing to this iconic site after the initial lockdown. An otherworldly light bathed the scene, emphasizing reflections, geometric forms, and the depth of the water.
Created by Greek artist Takis, this monumental work combines kinetic art and aquatic elements. The tall black rods topped with discs seem to dance in the wind, punctuating the space with a near-hypnotic rhythm. Through this black-and-white composition, I sought to capture the strange tranquility of a suspended moment—between post-lockdown emptiness and the slow revival of urban life.
The eye is drawn by the vanishing lines toward the center of the frame, where two people are seated at a terrace and a solitary walker stands at the edge of the basin—adding a human anchor within the architectural perspective. A minimalist, graphic scene, where silence seems almost tangible.
To learn more about the history of the Takis Basin, visit the dedicated page on the Paris La Défense website. For another photographic approach to the district, check out my article on architecture photography at La Défense.
About the author: Sebastien Desnoulez is a photographer of architecture and urban environments. He focuses on geometry, reflections, and the visual power of silence in public spaces.
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
