As we approached the Musée de la Musique, which is in a perfectly fine building, this curious-looking structure caught our eyes. This is the Philharmonie de Paris, designed by Jean Nouvel, the same architect who designed the wonderful Branley. It is so, um, unconventional, it pulls the air out of every other building in its vicinity.
On first look I didn't like it. On second look, still didn't like it. But as we walked around and saw it from different vantage points, examined the details, and noticed how it played with the light, how the pattern in the roof resembles a flock of birds, I warmed to it, though maybe warm isn't the word I'd choose for such a cold building. I wonder how the design and materials will age. I wonder if a hundred years from now it will be considered a classic, like the Eiffel tower, or will it be more like the horrid Montparnasse tower. More likely, something in between. Anyway, it's an interesting building. I just pity its neighbors.
