Architect Jean Nouvel to build new Paris skyscraper

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

PARIS (AFP) — French star architect Jean Nouvel was chosen Tuesday over four world-class rivals to build a landmark new skyscraper on the edge of Paris, set to rival the Eiffel Tower for domination of the city skyline.

Set for completion by 2015, the new tower to be built in the La Defense district is part of an ambitious plan to renovate the 50-year-old business hub on the city's western rim.

Winner of this year's Pritzker Architecture Prize, the industry's top award, Nouvel was selected for the "Signal Tower" project by a panel of local and state officials and architects which made the announcement Tuesday.

Nouvel faced stiff competition from a line-up of bidders including British designer Norman Foster and the American Daniel Libeskind -- chosen to...