1 Theory and design of structure

HAWASSA UNIVERSITY
Department of architecture
Faculty of civil engineering
Case Study on Successful
Synergy in Engineering
Architecture
Elshaday marega
Submitted to Mr. Soresa belay

Theory and design of Submission date Nov /20 /2023

structure

Louvre
Paris
2 Theory and design of structure

Contents
Case Study on Successful Synergy in Engineering Architecture ....................................................... 1
INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................... 3
ARCHITECTS ................................................................................................................................................ 5
Buildings purpose and intention ................................................................................................................ 6
Principles ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Aesthetic quality ........................................................................................................................................ 10
How the architect has effectively integrated engineering and aesthetics in the building's design. ... 13
CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIAL SYSTEMS OF THE GLASS PYRAMID................................................ 15
CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................................. 20
References.................................................................................................................................................. 21
3 Theory and design of structure

INTRODUCTION

The Louvre is a product of five centuries worth of

building campaigns. It was once a modest plot of
earth sitting along the Seine River on the outskirts of
Paris. When the Vikings began invading the city, a
fortress with thick walls was erected to help prevent
attacks. In 1546 the site was turned into a palace by
King Francis I, where he and his court would reside.
Nearly every subsequent monarch performed some
degree of work on the structure. It remained the royal
residence until 1682, when Louis XIV moved to
Versailles.

Around the French Revolution in 1789, portions of the

Louvre were converted into a museum. During the
Napoleonic wars, the French army plundered art and
sculpture worldwide. They would bring them back as
gifts for royalty, and many would go on display at the
Louvre.

n 1546 Francis I, who was a great art collector, had

this old castle razed and began to build on its site
another royal residence, the Louvre, which was added
to by almost every subsequent French monarch.
Under Francis I, only a small portion of the present
Louvre was completed, under the architect Pierre
Lescot. This original section is today the southwestern
part of the Cour Carrée. In the 17th century, major
additions were made to the building complex by Louis
XIII and Louis XIV. Cardinal de Richelieu, the chief
minister of Louis XIII, acquired great works of art for
the king. Louis XIV and his minister, Cardinal Mazarin,
acquired outstanding art collections, including that of
Charles I of England. A committee consisting of the
architects Claude Perrault and Louis Le Vau and the
decorator and painter Charles Le Brun planned that
part of the Louvre which is known as the Colonnade
4 Theory and design of structure

The Louvre building complex underwent a major remodeling in the 1980s and ’90s in order to
make the old museum more accessible and accommodating to its visitors. To this end, a vast
underground complex of offices, shops, exhibition spaces, storage areas, and parking areas, as
well as an auditorium, a tourist bus depot, and a cafeteria, was constructed underneath the
Louvre’s central courtyards of the Cour Napoléon and the Cour du Carrousel. The ground-level
entrance to this complex was situated in the center of the Cour Napoléon and was crowned by
a controversial steel-and-glass pyramid designed by the American architect I.M. Pei. The
underground complex of support facilities and public amenities was opened in 1989. In 1993,
on the museum’s 200th anniversary, the rebuilt Richelieu wing, formerly occupied by France’s
Ministry of Finance, was opened; for the first time, the entire Louvre was devoted to museum
purposes. The new wing, also designed by Pei, had more than 230,000 square feet (21,368
square meters) of exhibition space, originally housing collections of European painting,
decorative arts, and Islamic art. Three glass-roofed interior courtyards displayed French
sculpture and ancient Assyrian artworks. The museum’s expanding collection of Islamic art later
moved into its own wing (opened 2012), for which Italian architects Mario Bellini and Rudy
Ricotta enclosed another interior courtyard beneath an undulating gold-cultured roof made of
glass and steel.
5 Theory and design of structure

ARCHITECTS
Various architects have contributed to its transformation into the world-renowned museum it
is today. Here are some notable architects associated with the Louvre:

Pierre Lescot

Pierre Lescot (c. 1515-1578): Pierre Lescot was a French

Renaissance architect who played a significant role in the
redesign of the Louvre Palace during the 16th century. He
was commissioned by King Francis I to renovate and
expand the medieval fortress into a more elegant and
modern royal residence. Lescot's architectural style
embraced classical elements, incorporating Renaissance
features such as pilasters, pediments, and decorative
details. He is particularly known for his work on the
western façade of the Cour Carrée (Square Courtyard),
which showcases his mastery of Renaissance architecture.

Louis Le Vau

Louis Le Vau (1612-1670): Louis Le Vau was a French

architect who made substantial contributions to the
Louvre during the 17th century. He was appointed by King
Louis XIV to undertake significant renovations and
expansions of the palace. Le Vau is known for his work on
the eastern façade of the Cour Carrée, which included the
construction of the famous Colonnade, a monumental
arcade that added grandeur and unity to the courtyard.

Claude Perrault

Claude Perrault (1613-1688): Claude Perrault was a

French architect and physician who played a pivotal role in
the design of the eastern façade of the Louvre. Perrault's
design, known as the Perrault Wing or the Eastern Wing,
was a groundbreaking example of French Baroque
architecture. It featured a grand colonnade with paired
columns, arched windows, and a prominent Mansard roof.
Perrault's work added a sense of balance and unity to the
Louvre's overall composition.
6 Theory and design of structure

I.M. Pei

I.M. Pei (1917-2019): Ieoh Ming Pei, known as I.M. Pei,

was a renowned American architect who designed the
modern addition to the Louvre, including the iconic glass
Pyramid. His design was selected in a competition held in
1983. Pei's Pyramid, along with the adjacent underground
entrance complex, transformed the museum's entrance
experience and provided improved access to the galleries.
The Pyramid is celebrated for its bold and contemporary
design, combining glass and metal to create a striking
contrast with the historic architecture of the Louvre
palace .

Buildings purpose and intention

Originally a fortress built in the medieval period; it became a royal palace in the 14th century
under Charles V and was used from time to time by the Kings of France as their main Paris
residence. Its present structure has evolved in stages since the 16th century

The primary purpose of the Louvre Palace was to serve as a royal residence for the French
monarchs. It was first expanded and renovated in the 14th century by King Charles V, who
turned it into a lavish palace with ornate decorations and luxurious living quarters. However, it
was during the reign of King Francis I in the 16th century that the palace underwent its most
significant transformation.

Over the years, the Louvre Palace continued to evolve and expand, with various architects
adding their own touches to the original design. In the 17th century, Louis XIV commissioned
architect Louis Le Vau to build a new wing, known as the Grande Galleries, which housed the
royal art collection. This marked the beginning of the Louvre's transformation into a museum.

In 1793, during the French Revolution, the Louvre Palace was officially opened as a museum,
showcasing a vast collection of art and artifacts from different periods and civilizations. Today,
the Louvre Museum is home to over 38,000 objects, including some of the most famous works
of art in the world, such as the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace.

Principles
7 Theory and design of structure

Principles
The Louvre Museum in Paris, France, is renowned for its architectural design and principles.
Here is some key design principles associated with the Louvre:

1. Symmetry: The palace's symmetrical design not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also
contributes to its functionality. The balanced layout of the building allows for efficient use of
space and facilitates movement throughout the palace.

2. Proportion: The Louvre Palace is built on a grand scale, with its massive facades, high ceilings,
and spacious rooms. The use of proportion in its design creates a sense of harmony and
balance, making it visually appealing and functional.

3. Ornamentation: The intricate decorations and ornate details found throughout the palace
add to its aesthetic appeal. These decorative elements also serve a functional purpose by
highlighting important features and creating a sense of grandeur.

4. Natural Light: The palace's design incorporates large windows and skylights, allowing for
ample natural light to enter the building. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the
palace but also makes it more functional by providing a well-lit environment for visitors to view
the art.

5. Materials: The Louvre Palace is constructed using high-quality materials such as stone,
marble, and gold, which not only contribute to its grandeur but also make it durable and long-
lasting.

6. Functionality: Despite its grandeur and historical significance, the Louvre Palace was
designed to be functional. The layout of the building allows for efficient movement of visitors,
while the different wings and galleries were specifically designed to house and display the vast
art collection.

7. Context: The Louvre Palace is situated in the heart of Paris, surrounded by other iconic
landmarks such as the Seine River, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. Its design takes
into consideration its surroundings, creating a harmonious relationship with the city and adding
to its overall aesthetic appeal.

Integration with Historic Context: The Louvre design emphasizes the integration of new
architectural elements with the historic context of the former royal palace. The museum's main
8 Theory and design of structure

entrance, the Pyramid, designed by I.M. Pei, is a modern architectural feature that
harmoniously blends with the surrounding classical buildings.

Balance and Symmetry: The Louvre exhibits a strong sense of balance and symmetry in its
design. The main courtyard, Cour Carrée, and the Pyramid form a symmetrical composition,
creating a visually harmonious and balanced aesthetic.

Axis and Hierarchy: The Louvre employs axial relationships and hierarchy in its layout. The
central axis, known as the Grand Axis, extends from the Pyramid through the Cour Napoléon
and the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, aligning with the historical axis of the Champs-Élysées.
This axial organization creates a clear sense of hierarchy and visual continuity.

Light and Transparency: Natural light plays a vital role in the Louvre's design. The Pyramid and
its surrounding glass structures allow ample daylight to penetrate the interior spaces, creating a
sense of transparency and openness. The interplay of light and shadows enhances the visitor's
experience within the museum.

Circulation and Flow: The Louvre's design emphasizes efficient circulation and flow for visitors.
The layout of galleries and exhibition spaces is carefully planned to guide visitors through the
museum in a logical and intuitive manner. Strategic placement of entrances, corridors, and
staircases ensures a smooth and organized flow of foot traffic.
9 Theory and design of structure

Preservation of Heritage: The Louvre Museum is committed to preserving and showcasing its
historical architecture and artwork. While incorporating modern elements, the design approach
respects and highlights the existing heritage structures, such as the Louvre Palace and its
various wings.

Grandeur and Monumentality: The Louvre's design embraces grandeur and monumentality,
reflecting its status as a world-renowned cultural institution. The monumental scale of the
buildings, grand courtyards, and iconic architectural features contribute to the museum's iconic
and awe-inspiring character.
10 Theory and design of structure

Aesthetic quality
Details about the aesthetic qualities of the Louvre Museum in Paris:

Materiality: The materials used in the construction of the Louvre contribute to its aesthetic
appeal. The historic Louvre Palace features a combination of traditional materials like stone and
masonry, which exude a sense of solidity and timelessness. The modern additions, such as the
glass Pyramid, introduce a contemporary material, creating a striking contrast between the old
and the new.

Sculptural Details: The Louvre's architecture incorporates numerous sculptural details

throughout its façades and interiors. Elaborate sculptures, ornamental reliefs, and intricate
carvings adorn the building's surfaces, adding depth and visual interest. These sculptural
elements not only serve as decorative elements but also reflect the rich artistic heritage
represented within the museum's collection.
11 Theory and design of structure

Landscaping and Gardens: The Louvre's aesthetic extends beyond its architectural features to
its surrounding landscape. The museum is situated in the heart of Paris, surrounded by
beautifully manicured gardens and courtyards. The Jardin des Tuileries, located adjacent to the
Louvre, provides a serene and picturesque setting, enhancing the overall aesthetic experience
for visitors.

Monumental Entrances: The Louvre boasts several impressive entrances that contribute to its
aesthetic allure. The main entrance, marked by the Pyramid, serves as a focal point and a
symbol of the museum. There are also other grand entrances, such as the Porte des Lions and
the Carrousel du Louvre, which feature monumental arches and sculptural decorations,
creating a sense of grandeur and importance.
12 Theory and design of structure

Interior Spaces: The Louvre's interior spaces are carefully designed to showcase its vast art
collection while providing a visually pleasing environment for visitors. The galleries feature a
variety of architectural styles, from the opulent Napoleon III apartments to the more minimalist
contemporary exhibition spaces. The design of these interiors creates a sense of harmony and
coherence, allowing the artwork to shine.

Views and Perspectives: The Louvre offers captivating views and perspectives both from within
the museum and from its exterior. The carefully designed sightlines and vistas allow visitors to
appreciate the architectural composition of the buildings, as well as providing glimpses of the
surrounding cityscape, including iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.

Evocative Atmosphere: The Louvre's aesthetic qualities evoke a sense of history, culture, and
artistic splendor. Walking through its halls and galleries, visitors are immersed in an
atmosphere that reflects centuries of human creativity and achievement. The overall ambiance
of the museum contributes to the profound and enriching experience of exploring its
collections
13 Theory and design of structure

How the architect has effectively integrated engineering and

aesthetics in the building's design.

The architect, Pierre Lescot, has effectively used both these elements to create a masterpiece
that not only stands as a symbol of grandeur and beauty but also serves its functional purpose
as a royal residence and museum.

One of the key ways in which engineering and aesthetics are integrated in the design of the
Louvre Palace is through the use of materials. Lescot carefully selected high-quality materials
such as stone, marble, and gold, not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their durability
and strength. These materials were chosen to withstand the test of time and maintain the
grandeur of the palace for centuries to come.

The architect also paid close attention to the structural integrity of the building. The massive
facades, high ceilings, and spacious rooms were all designed to support the weight of the
building and its contents. Lescot's use of arches, columns, and other structural elements not
only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the palace but also serves a functional purpose in
distributing weight and providing stability.
14 Theory and design of structure

In addition to structural integrity, Lescot also incorporated engineering principles in the design
of the Louvre Palace to ensure efficient use of space and movement.

The symmetrical layout of the palace, with its main entrance flanked by two identical wings,
allows for easy navigation throughout the building. The placement of windows and skylights
also maximizes natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting and making the palace
more energy-efficient.

Furthermore, engineering and aesthetics are integrated in the design of the Louvre Palace
through its ornamental features. The intricate carvings, sculptures, and decorative details not
only add to the beauty of the building but also serve a functional purpose in highlighting
important features and providing structural support.

The architect's attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the Louvre Palace's design, from
its grand facades to the smallest decorative elements. This attention to detail and balance
between engineering and aesthetics is what makes the palace a true masterpiece of
architecture.

The architect, Pierre Lescot, integrated architecture and engineering in the design of the Louvre
Palace in several ways:

1. Material selection: Lescot carefully selected high-quality materials such as stone, marble, and
gold for both their aesthetic appeal and structural strength.

2. Structural integrity: The use of arches, columns, and other structural elements not only adds
to the visual appeal of the palace but also serves a functional purpose in supporting the weight
of the building and distributing it evenly.

3. Efficient use of space and movement: The symmetrical layout of the building allows for easy
navigation throughout the palace, while the placement of windows and skylights maximizes
natural light, making it more energy-efficient.

4. Ornamental features: The intricate carvings, sculptures, and decorative details not only add
to the beauty of the building but also serve a functional purpose in highlighting important
features and providing structural support.

5. Attention to detail: Lescot paid close attention to every detail in the design, ensuring that
both the functional and aesthetic aspects were carefully considered and integrated.
15 Theory and design of structure

CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIAL SYSTEMS OF THE

GLASS PYRAMID
Pei and the engineering team worked carefully on the engineering of the glass pyramids with
the goal of using the most minimal structural system available. They implemented a thin cable
system developed by Navtec, who specialized in sailing rigging for the America’s Cup sailing
boats. The cable system would provide structural depth behind the glass panel system within
minimal visual weight.

The exterior glass system was the primary feature of the pyramid. It was critical to the architect
that the glass was as visually clear as possible. At the time, the typical architectural glass used
on buildings had a green tint. This would not work for Pei and his team as it would distort the
color of the historic buildings when looking through the glass pyramid. The team collaborated
with the French glass firm Saint-Gobain to devise a manufacturing process using Fontainebleau
white sand to produce the most transparent glass possible. The glass was then polished in
England to create a perfectly flat surface on each panel. This would help to avoid any surface
distortions in the reflections or when looking through the glass. Pei's team's tenacity, attention
to detail, and perseverance in executing these seemingly small nuances is commendable.
16 Theory and design of structure

The structure was engineered by Nicolet Chartrand Knoll Ltd. of Montreal in terms of design
consultancy and Rice Francis Ritchie of France in the construction phase.

Structural Details

A technique known as "structural glazing" has been used in the framework of the Louvre
pyramid. This technique consists of anchoring glass segments on a metal mesh to form gigantic
installations. This is also used at a smaller scale in home furnishings and showrooms.

In structural glazing, the external surface of the glass is fully exposed and it is only attached to
the underlying framework with the help of sealants. A coating of flourine carbon lacquer has
been used in case of the Louvre pyramid.This technique not only creates an appealing and
unique exterior but also allows more natural light to enter the structure.However, this effect is
not possible to achieve with all types of glasses. The makers of the Louvre pyramid ordered a
special type of extra-clear glass from Saint Gobain, now called Diamant glass.

Diamant Glass

Diamant glass owes its high transparency to lower iron content as compared to normal glass.
Iron oxide present in the glass gives it the common greenish tint which was diminished to the
maximum extent in Diamant glass.

The Diamant glass offers the following benefits:

Visual Comfort: The extra clear glass allows more daylight to pass through it by reducing
sunlight absorption. This results in a clearer vision for the occupants.
17 Theory and design of structure

Aesthetics: In large multi-layer glass structures, clear and ample daylight improves illumination
and gives an ornamental appearance.

Environment friendly: No artificial light is required in the daytime, saving electricity

consumption to a certain extent.

Sturdy: Even to this date no glass panel of the Louvre glass pyramid has shattered or cracked.
This sturdiness results in low replacement costs.

Architect I.M. Pei did not want the glass pyramid to steal the Louvre museum's limelight. By
using the specially discolored Diamant glass, the view of the museum did not get obstructed
and the purpose of constructing the pyramid was also fulfilled.

2.2 The Framework

The square base of the Louvre glass pyramid has sides measuring 112 ft each and a base area of
11,000 sq. ft. The apex of the pyramid is 71 ft high from the center of the base.

The framing structure is made up of 6,000 bars of structural steel and aluminum. This network
comprises of 2,100 nodes and weighs nearly 100 metric tons.In the inner frame, there are 675
diamond-shaped and 118 triangular steel panes in total. These panes are connected by 128
steel girders and 16 steel cables. The outer frame, on the other hand, comprises glass segments
fixed to extruded aluminum panes.

The aluminum frame and the steel structure are connected by a gib screw and steel bracket
setup, which enables the movement of the frame in three directions. This makes the entire
structure both sturdy and flexible at the same time.
18 Theory and design of structure

The overall weight of the Louvre pyramid is 180 metric tons.

2.3 Surroundings

The main pyramid is surrounded by three similar but smaller pyramids. These were built to add
balance to the scenery and to further increase the illumination and ventilation in the lobby
below. The Louvre Pyramid is surrounded by three much smaller replicas and a fifth
pyramid, this one inverted, built under the Carrousel du Louvre.

The three small pyramids represent the three wings of the Louvre – the Richelieu, Sully,
and Denon wings. The Inverted Pyramid is one of the other four entrances to the Louvre.
It was completed in 1993, after the other pyramids. From the top, the upside-down
pyramid looks like a glass plate. There are other lesser-known pyramids in Paris: small
pyramids in a couple of tombs at Père Lachaise Cemetery (e.g. the Pyramid of Jean-Louis
Sacchet), the metro station Pyramides, Rue des Pyramides, and Place des Pyramides in
(Paris 1), dominated by the statue of Jeanne d’Arc.
19 Theory and design of structure

Louvre’s Inverted Pyramid

The Inverted Pyramid wasn’t part of IM Pei’s first Louvre Museum redesign in the 1980s. He
designed and installed it in 1993 as part of Phase 2 of the Louvre Museum’s renovation. Also
known as the Louvre Pyramide inversée, it is a skylight constructed in the Carrousel du Louvre,
an underground shopping mall in front of the Louvre Museum.

It is very similar to the Pyramid acting as the Louvre entrance on the ground, except that it is
upside down. To get to the Inverted Pyramid, you must go down the stairs near the Arc de
Triomphe du Carrousel and walk towards the main underground shopping arcade. You can find
the stairs on either side of the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. Keep walking, and soon enough,
you will reach the intersection of two main underground walkways, which is where the inverted
Pyramid is suspended in all its glory.

The inverted pyramid orients visitors towards the Louvre entrance on the lower floor. This
entrance is referred to by many names:

 Louvre Carrousel entrance

 The mall entrance to the Louvre
 Inverted Pyramid entrance
20 Theory and design of structure

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the globe is captivated by the world-renowned Louvre Museum in Paris, which is
a marvel of architecture and culture. Its stylistic attributes, which combine modern and ancient
grandeur, produce a pleasing and classic appeal. The seamless fusion of contemporary
architectural wonders like the glass pyramid with elements of ancient and Renaissance
architecture highlights the museum's centuries-long development while honoring its rich
history.

Balance, symmetry, and the thoughtful use of light and transparency are just a few of the
design elements that make the Louvre an engrossing and absorbing place for visitors. Visitors
may easily explore the museum's riches thanks to its thoughtfully designed circulation and flow,
which leads them through a sizable collection of artwork and artifacts. The Louvre embodies a
great feeling of history, culture, and artistic achievement beyond its architectural magnificence.
Its treasures, which include artwork by modern artists as well as pieces from ancient
civilizations, stand as a tribute to the enduring power of art and symbolize the height of human
creativity. The Louvre Museum, a cultural institution, is now recognized as both a beacon of
artistic brilliance and an iconic symbol of Paris. The most renowned artworks in the world are
displayed in its courtyards, galleries, and grand entrances, while the surrounding gardens and
views create a calm and beautiful backdrop.

The Louvre continues to inspire and educate, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the vast
realm of human creativity. It remains a place of wonder, where the past and present converge,
and where the beauty of art and architecture intertwine. The Louvre Paris Museum is a
testament to the enduring legacy of human artistic expression and a must-visit destination for
anyone seeking to explore the depths of human imagination and cultural heritage.
21 Theory and design of structure

References
https://thebettervacation.com/louvre-pyramid/#construction

https://worldinparis.com/louvre-pyramid-in-paris

https://www.louvre.fr/en/homepage

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louvre

https://collections.louvre.fr/en/

https://www.louvre.fr/en/architectural-history-louvre

https://www.history.com/topics/france/louvre-museum