New Forms Taschen 212

roof elements, measuring 60 x 130 m are suspended without columns by a tubular spaceframe superstructure designed by the late engineer Peter Rice. The apparent and real lightness of the roof structure madę it possible to bring far morę light into the factory areas than is usually the case. Because of new produttion techniques, dividing the usual assembly linę process of this cosmetics manufacturer into smaller units, the architects were able to propose this spectacular tripartite structure disposed around a central garden and artificial lakę, rather than adhering to the morę traditional rectilinear architecture of faaories. The unusual curving complex-ity of the roof elements was madę possible not only by computer-aided design but by a laser-guided checking system for the placement of the 20,000 panels. Combining an innovative structural solution with a renewed concept of factory layout, this project concludes this survey as well as any other. The L'Orćal factory shows that technology, new materials and a willingness on the part of clients and architects to experiment have created the conditions for a true renewal of architecture. In their project description, Valode & Pistre quote Alvar Aalto, who said, 'Architecture has an unstated ideał, which is to recreate paradise. If we did not constantly bear this idea in mind, all of our buildings would be simpler and morę trivial, and life would become... yes, it would almost no longer be worth living.“

Pagei224/225 Valodc 8> Pistre L‘Or6al Factory Aulnay-sous-Bois, France, 1988-91

This factory for a cosmetics manufacturer located on the outskirts of Paris is a techmcal tour de force. The 7,023 aluminum and polyethylene composite panels that make up the roof are each attached at four pomts. three of which are adjustable in all three dimensions. Their installation required no less than 21,000 adjustments madę on site.

224 Outlook