Regard sur : « Paul Andreu, architect of Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport»

On the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the inauguration of Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport, the library, through its new "Regard sur," pays tribute to its architect, Paul Andreu (X58), whose genius marked a turning point in history.

Paul Andreu, an iconic figure in contemporary architecture, left a remarkable imprint on the global architectural landscape. His journey, shaped by his time at the École Polytechnique, influenced his vision and innovative approach to infrastructure design. It is particularly his work on Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport, inaugurated fifty years ago (in March 1974), that embodies his genius and enduring legacy. Designed as a true architectural masterpiece, the airport reflects Andreu's avant-garde vision, combining functionality, passenger comfort, and bold aesthetics.

His studies at the École Polytechnique nurtured his spirit of innovation and equipped him with the ability to push the boundaries of architectural design. He successfully integrated the school's principles of scientific rigor into his creative process, creating a balance between functionality and aesthetics in his works.

Paul Andreu is best known for his contributions to airport design. He designed several airports: from 1981 to 1985, Jakarta International Airport in Indonesia; from 1991 to 1994, Sanya Phoenix International Airport, new terminal, in Sanya, China; from 1995 to 2003, Imam Khomeini International Airport in Iran, and more.

As for Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport, over the years, it has become much more than just a transit point. Fifty years after its inauguration, the airport continues to impress and inspire, reminding the world of the importance of innovative design and long-term vision.

A selection of books available at the reception to further explore the topic.