Supercrit #4: Bernard Tschumi presents Parc de la Villette

The coveted commission to design the Parc de la Villette was won by Bernard Tschumi in 1982 and work was completed in 1988. The park is now considered to be a pivotal example of late 20th century landscape architecture, perhaps best known for its characteristic grid of bright red abstract 'folies'. Part of an urban renewal plan, Parc de la Villette was built on the site of the former national meat market and slaughterhouse. Tschumi has described his design as "the first built work specifically exploring the concepts of superimposition and dissociation" and is widely regarded as one of the foremost examples of Deconstructionist architecture. This Supercrit was a rare opportunity to hear first hand the stories behind the project and to put questions to the original design team.

The panel of critics to whom Bernard Tschumi presented the Parc de la Villette included Peter Cook (Archigram), Carlos Villanueva Brandt (founding member of NATO), Bruce McLean (artist) and Murray Fraser (University of Westminster) alongside members of the original design and engineering team. The event will be chaired by Paul Finch (Editor of The Architectural Review). 

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