Horse Racing Track in Paris by Dominique Perrault

The Longchamp horse racing track is located in the Bois de Boulogne, which, with an area of over 900 hectares, is by far the largest park in Paris. In this vast green space in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, there are several clubs dedicated to football, rugby, water sports, cycling, bowling, and last but not least, there are two racetracks (Hippodrome d’Auteuil, Hippodrome de Longchamp). The history of the Longchamp racecourse dates back to 1857. Over time, the area, which has since become synonymous with wealth and luxury, has undergone three phases of expansion. However, these mostly contributed to overall chaos and made navigation at the racetrack more difficult. The winning proposal from the Paris office of Dominique Perrault aimed to resolve this confusion by demolishing the existing grandstand and replacing it with a new four-story structure composed of four overlapping platforms from which visitors will be able to overlook the racetrack. From the cantilevered restaurant on the top floor, there will be a panoramic view not only of the racetrack but also of the entire Bois de Boulogne. All remaining structures are to be connected by wooden walkways at the first-floor level. The newly renovated track will welcome the famous flat race Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October 2015.