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Paris' Longchamp racecourse hosts one of the world's most famous horse races -- the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. The site currently houses two huge grandstands -- side by side -- built in the 1960s. This computer-generated image (and the ones which follow) show how the new design will transform the site when completed. © Dominique Perrault Architects
The new design which will replace the old stands is the work of Dominique Perrault. The Paris-based architect has designed iconic structures all over the world and was awarded the Praemium Imperiale -- an annual prize awarded by the Japanese Art Association. Click here to see more of his work. © Dominique Perrault Architects
The existing grandstands at Longchamp are packed in the first weekend of October for the running of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe -- the richest flat race on turf in the world. Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images/file
But for the remainder of the year, the stands remain largely empty -- around 30 race meetings are held annually at Longchamp, attracting just a few thousand spectators each time. Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images/file
Perrault's new design includes just one grandstand but will be "transparent," he says, affording views both east and west.
"The building has two faces -- one in front of the race and one behind," he says. © Dominique Perrault Architects
"The building has two faces -- one in front of the race and one behind," he says. © Dominique Perrault Architects
"On each plateau you have some services -- clubs, hospitality space, restaurants -- but you can see in all directions," Perrault explains. © Dominique Perrault Architects
"The horse-racing side looks out to the east onto Paris, the Eiffel Tower. To the west, you have the River Seine and very nice landscape, a park."
© Dominique Perrault Architects
© Dominique Perrault Architects
"The idea is you walk on a different plateau and the view on either side is uninterrupted -- like a fluid promenade," he says.
Some of the building's architectural details will also echo its natural surroundings.
"We have a lot of references to the nature around," Perrault said.
"We designed a handrail with a pattern print like a part of the forest. Also we developed some points in the concrete where we printed the scenes of the wood in the 19th century." © Dominique Perrault Architects
Some of the building's architectural details will also echo its natural surroundings.
"We have a lot of references to the nature around," Perrault said.
"We designed a handrail with a pattern print like a part of the forest. Also we developed some points in the concrete where we printed the scenes of the wood in the 19th century." © Dominique Perrault Architects
Perrault's design was chosen from a shortlist of six. The renovation plan was agreed by France Galop -- the country's horse racing governing body -- in 2011, but funding issues and doubts over Longchamp's viability as a year-round race venue have delayed construction until now. © Dominique Perrault Architects
The project has an estimated cost of €130 million ($145m), Perrault says. Building work is set to get underway after this year's "Arc" and is scheduled to be completed in 2017.
In 2016, the historic race will be held at Chantilly, 50 kilometers north of Paris. © Dominique Perrault Architects
In 2016, the historic race will be held at Chantilly, 50 kilometers north of Paris. © Dominique Perrault Architects
