Les Arènes de Picasso residential building, designed by Manuel Núñez Yanowsky in Noisy-le-Grand, has transformed the local area with its distinctive disc-shaped structures. Completed in 1984, the complex includes 540 social housing units and an octagonal square with boutiques, playgrounds, and a school. Renowned for its extensive prefabrication, it features a central sculpture by Miguel Berrocal. Despite its classification as a slum, the area attracts tourists, and the building is recognized as part of the European architectural heritage and international civil engineering heritage. The iconic “Camemberts” shape, reflecting the sun’s movements, underscores its architectural significance.
Les Arènes de Picasso residential building, designed by architect Manuel Núñez Yanowsky in Noisy-le-Grand, has elevated the local area with its unique disc-shaped structures. Completed in 1984, the concrete complex includes 540 social housing units and an octagonal square with boutiques, playgrounds, and a school. The landmark, known for its thorough prefabrication, features a central sculpture by Miguel Berrocal. Despite its status as a slum, the area attracts tourists, and the building is now part of the European architectural heritage and international civil engineering heritage.
Les Arènes de Picasso is a contemporary residential building in Noisy-le-Grand, France. Designed by Spanish-French architect Manuel Núñez Yanowsky, the iconic structure was completed in 1984. The buildings, shaped like large discs, rest on pedestals with arcades.
Originally intended to elevate the poor neighborhood’s status, the project’s unique architectural features and civil engineering quickly made it a landmark in the Seine-Saint-Denis department, attracting many tourists. Despite its fame, the surrounding neighborhood is still considered a slum.
Constructed from concrete, Les Arènes de Picasso comprises 540 social housing units. The central octagonal square includes boutiques, playgrounds, a school, and a monumental sculpture by Miguel Berrocal. This housing project stands out as one of the first large-scale, prefabricated developments.
Locals affectionately nicknamed the building “Camemberts” after the soft, creamy French cheese, owing to its shape.
The 50-meter diameter discs symbolize the rising and setting of the sun.
Les Arènes de Picasso has become part of the European architectural heritage and is listed in the international heritage of civil engineering.
Les Arènes de Picasso has become part of the European architectural heritage and is listed in the international heritage of civil engineering.
