Famous architects converge in new art center

on Wednesday,September 30,2009 16:09

Aix-en-Provence, a tourist destination in the south of France said to have inspired the likes of Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Cezanne, is about to host an architect''s dream as the Chateau La Coste winery''s new art center will be designed by some of the most famous names in modern architecture.

Jean Nouvel, Renzo Piano, Tadao Ando, Norman Foster and Frank Gehry - Pritzker prize laureates each - will all contribute designs to the art center being funded by acclaimed property developer, Patrick McKillen – whose friend and fellow Irishman, Bono, is also a client of Ando.

Ando devised the center''s master plans and main gallery, Nouvel the wine cellar, while Foster and Piano contributed secondary structures and Gehry designed the music pavilion.

“We’re creating a space filled with water and the gallery will appear to float on top of it,” said Ando in an interview with Bloomberg.com.

Opening next year, the art center will also possess a restaurant, a small hotel, and an open-air sculpture garden showcasing works from classic and contemporary artists.