The Vibrant Life in La Défense: An Urban Experience

ARTICLE LA DEFENSE 2023

Posted July 2024.

The area is today the Parisian and French business center. It got its name, because of the siege of Paris in the war between France and Prussia 1870-1871. The French defended Paris, but the war ended with a Prussian victory.

Unique architectural canopy and geometric facade contrast in black and white, showcasing modern design elements.
Monochrome street scene with people walking and sitting near a modern building under the sun's shadow play.

The most eye-catching building there is the new arc of triumph, or La Grande Arche built by the Danish architect Otto von Spreckelsen. It is situated at the western end of the grand axis formed by the Pyramid at Louvre, Place de La Concorde Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe. In addition to being a beautiful monument, La Grande Arche is also a workplace for many people, and I catched a lot of people just having  break from work.

A group of people sit in a circle sharing a meal outside a modern building with geometric windows, enjoying a sunny day.
Black and white image of people sitting on steps below a large modern building with a grid facade and architectural details.
Group of people gather and converse outside a modern building with geometric windows, captured in black and white.
Black and white view of La Défense in Paris, showcasing modern skyscrapers, people, and a unique architectural canopy.

It is so relaxing just sitting on the stairs of La Grande Arche and watching the skyscrapers with their glass facades, steel and concrete. And not to mention all the people there. Around 180.000 people work in La Défense and on top of that comes all the tourists.

Otherwise, the area is covered with modern buildings, and the extensive use of glass gives some very interesting reflections that you can use photographically. If there is an interesting sky at the same time as here in the gallery, then you have a full plate.
Many tourists come to La Defense, but when you walk around there, it is quite clear that there are also many who are wearing work clothes – suits and trousers, and photographing them together with the architecture also gives some interesting pictures. Of course, make sure you have a wide angle. This can give your picture some interesting lines.

Woman leaning against glass, vaping, and using smartphone outside a modern building in black and white cityscape.
View of modern building facade with glass windows reflecting cityscape, people exiting through a door, black and white.
Black and white street signs in La Défense, Paris, with modern skyscrapers in the background under a cloudy sky.
Black and white photo of modern skyscrapers with a glass facade reflecting neighboring buildings and a dramatic sky.
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