Photographer Laurent Kronental captures the inside of the controversial Aillaud Towers -- a utopian social housing project which today stands as if suspended in time.
Laurent Kronental on his "Les Yeux des Tours" series —
Photographer Laurent Kronental captures the inside of the controversial Aillaud Towers -- a utopian social housing project which today stands as if suspended in time.
Courtesy Laurent Kronental
"The towers range from 7 to 38 floors -- among the highest residence buildings in France. They are covered with multicolor mosaic tiles created by the artist Fabio Rieti. From a distance, they evoke clouds or vegetable stalks merging with the sky," said Kronental.
Laurent Kronental on his "Les Yeux des Tours" series —
"The towers range from 7 to 38 floors -- among the highest residence buildings in France. They are covered with multicolor mosaic tiles created by the artist Fabio Rieti. From a distance, they evoke clouds or vegetable stalks merging with the sky," said Kronental.
Courtesy Laurent Kronental
"I felt the strength and the brutality of these concrete colossi standing like vessels or rockets, a few steps away from "La Défense," one of the most important business and shopping centers in Europe. This social, urban, cultural and economic contrast captivated me. I had this strong desire to explore these buildings, to know their inside, their changing appearances according to seasons and lights, their inhabitants, their history."
Laurent Kronental on his "Les Yeux des Tours" series —
"I felt the strength and the brutality of these concrete colossi standing like vessels or rockets, a few steps away from "La Défense," one of the most important business and shopping centers in Europe. This social, urban, cultural and economic contrast captivated me. I had this strong desire to explore these buildings, to know their inside, their changing appearances according to seasons and lights, their inhabitants, their history."
Courtesy Laurent Kronental
"Some residents of Tours Aillaud were enthusiastic about my first pictures. Many were surprised by the configuration of their neighbors' interiors, their layout, their furniture, their decoration, the landscape views. I received constructive and encouraging feedback. It also happened that people spoke with me through their doors, too distrustful to open."
Laurent Kronental on his "Les Yeux des Tours" series —
"Some residents of Tours Aillaud were enthusiastic about my first pictures. Many were surprised by the configuration of their neighbors' interiors, their layout, their furniture, their decoration, the landscape views. I received constructive and encouraging feedback. It also happened that people spoke with me through their doors, too distrustful to open."
Courtesy Laurent Kronental
"The first thing that struck me on entering the apartments was that we were sucked in by the resident's universe. Each decoration is different and reflects a specific cultural background. From the outside, we could think these dwellings are small and crowded but on the contrary they are quite spacious. In spite of the many configurations, one of their common features is the porthole to which your eye is irresistibly attracted as you struggle not to lose your bearings."
Laurent Kronental on his "Les Yeux des Tours" series —
"The first thing that struck me on entering the apartments was that we were sucked in by the resident's universe. Each decoration is different and reflects a specific cultural background. From the outside, we could think these dwellings are small and crowded but on the contrary they are quite spacious. In spite of the many configurations, one of their common features is the porthole to which your eye is irresistibly attracted as you struggle not to lose your bearings."
Courtesy Laurent Kronental
"Moving around 'Tours Nuages' requires a dose of local knowledge. The district is unfortunately often mentioned or blamed in the media for problems of insecurity, true or false. Beyond stereotypes, I can say in retrospect that it is rather difficult to come and make photos in complete peace. Photographing there is sometimes ill considered. That is why I wished to find a local person to assist me."
Laurent Kronental on his "Les Yeux des Tours" series —
"Moving around 'Tours Nuages' requires a dose of local knowledge. The district is unfortunately often mentioned or blamed in the media for problems of insecurity, true or false. Beyond stereotypes, I can say in retrospect that it is rather difficult to come and make photos in complete peace. Photographing there is sometimes ill considered. That is why I wished to find a local person to assist me."
Courtesy Laurent Kronental
"After a long quest, I was introduced to Mohamed 'Théman' (Tea-Man). I had never met him but I had already heard about him. He is well known in Nanterre. Ever since he was a kid, he has served mint tea to the inhabitants of Pablo Picasso every evening. It was a very beautiful human and professional encounter and Mohamed became a friend of mine. He has accompanied me throughout the series and I am profoundly grateful to him for it."
Laurent Kronental on his "Les Yeux des Tours" series —
"After a long quest, I was introduced to Mohamed 'Théman' (Tea-Man). I had never met him but I had already heard about him. He is well known in Nanterre. Ever since he was a kid, he has served mint tea to the inhabitants of Pablo Picasso every evening. It was a very beautiful human and professional encounter and Mohamed became a friend of mine. He has accompanied me throughout the series and I am profoundly grateful to him for it."
Courtesy Laurent Kronental
"For two years, I combined the spotting session with the shooting sessions. I regularly went into the district early in the morning or late in the afternoon. They are appropriate times to get soft colors and lights without interfering shadows."
Laurent Kronental on his "Les Yeux des Tours" series —
"For two years, I combined the spotting session with the shooting sessions. I regularly went into the district early in the morning or late in the afternoon. They are appropriate times to get soft colors and lights without interfering shadows."
Courtesy Laurent Kronental
"During the first part of the project, I often used a small digital camera to take notes without carrying my large 4" by 5" format camera which is heavy equipment, involving organization constraints. Then I later realized that bringing my camera with me was essential. I sometimes had a single opportunity to penetrate an apartment."
Laurent Kronental on his "Les Yeux des Tours" series —
"During the first part of the project, I often used a small digital camera to take notes without carrying my large 4" by 5" format camera which is heavy equipment, involving organization constraints. Then I later realized that bringing my camera with me was essential. I sometimes had a single opportunity to penetrate an apartment."
Courtesy Laurent Kronental
"Some rare weather conditions do not come up twice and the opportunity should be seized. I remember the day I was to meet a family. I set up my equipment when all at once the sky fired up with bright luscious reds. I made the decision to climb to the upper floors of the building. Luckily another contact of mine was available and opened his door. I was thus able to catch a rare and dramatic moment."
Laurent Kronental on his "Les Yeux des Tours" series —
"Some rare weather conditions do not come up twice and the opportunity should be seized. I remember the day I was to meet a family. I set up my equipment when all at once the sky fired up with bright luscious reds. I made the decision to climb to the upper floors of the building. Luckily another contact of mine was available and opened his door. I was thus able to catch a rare and dramatic moment."
Courtesy Laurent Kronental
"Some pictures touch me more for diverse reasons. [In this picture] I am in a studio that belong to a man in his fifties. We switch off the light and in the darkness the two windows of his flat clearly stand out. We are at one of the last upper floors of one of the tallest towers of the district. The home is modest and simple. The panorama is gorgeous. I am speechless and feel all the poetry of the place. I do remember this photograph because during this session, my host was playing the guitar next to me. He sang oriental tunes. This melting pot of architectures, of times, of cultures, was extremely beautiful."
Laurent Kronental on his "Les Yeux des Tours" series —
"Some pictures touch me more for diverse reasons. [In this picture] I am in a studio that belong to a man in his fifties. We switch off the light and in the darkness the two windows of his flat clearly stand out. We are at one of the last upper floors of one of the tallest towers of the district. The home is modest and simple. The panorama is gorgeous. I am speechless and feel all the poetry of the place. I do remember this photograph because during this session, my host was playing the guitar next to me. He sang oriental tunes. This melting pot of architectures, of times, of cultures, was extremely beautiful."
Courtesy Laurent Kronental
"When I visited this apartment belonging to elderly folks, I was immediately captivated by this bedroom. I felt a deep emotion. Everything seemed perfect: the faded wallpaper below the waterdrop window with an iron chain hanging down, the small old-fashioned children chairs, the bunk bed to the left, whose sheets matched the quaint atmosphere. The family had not used the bedroom for years. It seemed suspended in time."
Laurent Kronental on his "Les Yeux des Tours" series —
"When I visited this apartment belonging to elderly folks, I was immediately captivated by this bedroom. I felt a deep emotion. Everything seemed perfect: the faded wallpaper below the waterdrop window with an iron chain hanging down, the small old-fashioned children chairs, the bunk bed to the left, whose sheets matched the quaint atmosphere. The family had not used the bedroom for years. It seemed suspended in time."
Courtesy Laurent Kronental
"[In this photo] we are in the kitchen of a senior couple. The curtain slightly shrouds the outside, a soft light wraps the room, the two fruit baskets on the table catch your eye. Everything appears motionless, and nothing seems to have changed. Is it a throwback to the years 1970-80 when Emile Aillaud's work was completed, when the first inhabitants came to live in the towers? The telephone is the only sign which allows to situate the date of shooting. This is actually 2017."
Laurent Kronental on his "Les Yeux des Tours" series —
"[In this photo] we are in the kitchen of a senior couple. The curtain slightly shrouds the outside, a soft light wraps the room, the two fruit baskets on the table catch your eye. Everything appears motionless, and nothing seems to have changed. Is it a throwback to the years 1970-80 when Emile Aillaud's work was completed, when the first inhabitants came to live in the towers? The telephone is the only sign which allows to situate the date of shooting. This is actually 2017."
Courtesy Laurent Kronental
"I have built beautiful relationships with some inhabitants of the Cité Pablo Picasso. I am still in regular contact with them. It is also a pleasure to come and see them outside the frame of my project and to share moments. With my assistant, who lives in the district, we even staged several events with neighbors who didn't know one another previously. These make for great memories."
Laurent Kronental on his "Les Yeux des Tours" series —
"I have built beautiful relationships with some inhabitants of the Cité Pablo Picasso. I am still in regular contact with them. It is also a pleasure to come and see them outside the frame of my project and to share moments. With my assistant, who lives in the district, we even staged several events with neighbors who didn't know one another previously. These make for great memories."
Courtesy Laurent Kronental
"The work of Emile Aillaud is still controversial. Opinions are very diverse according to the inhabitants of the Cité Pablo Picasso. Some of them appreciate it for its look, its shapes, its colors, its spaces, its atmosphere, its closeness with the district of La Défense and the André Malraux Park, for its sculptures too. These people are deeply attached to it. They have grown there and have collected fond memories. Their families and friends sometimes live in the same district, which represents some kind of protective cocoon to them."
Laurent Kronental on his "Les Yeux des Tours" series —
"The work of Emile Aillaud is still controversial. Opinions are very diverse according to the inhabitants of the Cité Pablo Picasso. Some of them appreciate it for its look, its shapes, its colors, its spaces, its atmosphere, its closeness with the district of La Défense and the André Malraux Park, for its sculptures too. These people are deeply attached to it. They have grown there and have collected fond memories. Their families and friends sometimes live in the same district, which represents some kind of protective cocoon to them."
Courtesy Laurent Kronental
"On the [other hand], other people are very critical of the project. They find it impractical particularly to furnish flats, and consider its aesthetics ugly or austere. The majority of the inhabitants unanimously agree to say that the district is not maintained properly. Numerous facades have been damaged by time and small mosaic tiles crumble and fall. Besides, the apartments are not damp proofed and humidity regularly oozes in."
Laurent Kronental on his "Les Yeux des Tours" series —
"On the [other hand], other people are very critical of the project. They find it impractical particularly to furnish flats, and consider its aesthetics ugly or austere. The majority of the inhabitants unanimously agree to say that the district is not maintained properly. Numerous facades have been damaged by time and small mosaic tiles crumble and fall. Besides, the apartments are not damp proofed and humidity regularly oozes in."
Courtesy Laurent Kronental
"Despite being considered one of most remarkable social housing districts and awarded the 20th century national heritage label, the Tours Aillaud are nowadays at the heart of a major rehabilitation project and risk being partially destroyed. An important architectural design competition was launched for the artistic reinterpretation of the large estate and its heat insulation. This will probably involve transferring part of the population to the new district of Les Groues in Nanterre. The artistic venture may partially fade into oblivion and with it its hope and utopia. I think that it is necessary to protect this exceptional heritage, it is the testimony of an era."
Laurent Kronental on photographing the inside of Paris' controversial housing project —
"Despite being considered one of most remarkable social housing districts and awarded the 20th century national heritage label, the Tours Aillaud are nowadays at the heart of a major rehabilitation project and risk being partially destroyed. An important architectural design competition was launched for the artistic reinterpretation of the large estate and its heat insulation. This will probably involve transferring part of the population to the new district of Les Groues in Nanterre. The artistic venture may partially fade into oblivion and with it its hope and utopia. I think that it is necessary to protect this exceptional heritage, it is the testimony of an era."
Courtesy Laurent Kronental
Inside Paris' utopian social housing project
CNN  — 

When former French President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing first caught a glimpse of the Aillaud Towers, it is alleged the first words out of his mouth were “Quelle horreur!” (“How awful!”) And in truth, the distinctive towers conceived by architect Emile Aillaud in the 1970s have divided public opinion ever since.

Even now, 40 years later, announced renovations which could see the characteristic mosaic fa?ade updated have generated strong reactions, ranging from those who fear the destruction of a historic monument to those who welcome the project as a vital improvement.

Grands Ensembles

Rare color photos cast new light on World War II

Built in the Parisian suburb of Nanterre, the Tours Aillaud were designed as part of the “Cité Pablo Picasso” – a district of social residential projects created as a response to an increasing housing shortage in Paris after World War II. Several of these colossal estates, referred to as “Grands Ensembles”, dot the outskirts of the French capital.

Joseph, 88, Les Espaces d'Abraxas, Noisy-le-Grand, 2014<br /><br />Laurent Kronental's breathtaking photographs unite the colossal, futuristic buildings of Paris housing estates and the senior citizens who live among them. The buildings have been used as backdrop in several Hollywood films, including the most recent <em>Hunger</em><em> Games </em>installment. Scroll through the gallery to see his incredible images.
Joseph, 88, Les Espaces d'Abraxas, Noisy-le-Grand, 2014

Laurent Kronental's breathtaking photographs unite the colossal, futuristic buildings of Paris housing estates and the senior citizens who live among them. The buildings have been used as backdrop in several Hollywood films, including the most recent Hunger Games installment. Scroll through the gallery to see his incredible images.
Laurent Kronental
Jacques, 82, Le Viaduc et les Arcades du Lac, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, 2015
Jacques, 82, Le Viaduc et les Arcades du Lac, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, 2015
Laurent Kronental
Roland, 85, Les Arcades du Lac, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, 2015
Roland, 85, Les Arcades du Lac, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, 2015
Laurent Kronental
Les Tours Aillaud, Cité Pablo Picasso, Nanterre, 2014
Les Tours Aillaud, Cité Pablo Picasso, Nanterre, 2014
Laurent Kronental
Josette, 90, Vision 80, Esplanade de La Défense, 2013
Josette, 90, Vision 80, Esplanade de La Défense, 2013
Laurent Kronental
Le Pavé Neuf, Noisy-le-Grand, 2015
Le Pavé Neuf, Noisy-le-Grand, 2015
Laurent Kronental
Joseph, 88, Les Espaces d'Abraxas, Noisy-le-Grand, 2014
Joseph, 88, Les Espaces d'Abraxas, Noisy-le-Grand, 2014
Laurent Kronental
Alain, 80, Les Damiers, Courbevoie, 2013
Alain, 80, Les Damiers, Courbevoie, 2013
Laurent Kronental
Jean-Claude, 82, Les Espaces d'Abraxas, Noisy-le-Grand, 2014
Jean-Claude, 82, Les Espaces d'Abraxas, Noisy-le-Grand, 2014
Laurent Kronental
José, 89, Les Damiers, Courbevoie, 2012
José, 89, Les Damiers, Courbevoie, 2012
Laurent Kronental
Jean-Claude, 77, Charras, Courbevoie, 2014
Jean-Claude, 77, Charras, Courbevoie, 2014
Laurent Kronental
Les Espaces d'Abraxas, Noisy-le-Grand, 2014
Les Espaces d'Abraxas, Noisy-le-Grand, 2014
Laurent Kronental
José, 89, Puteaux-La Défense, 2012
José, 89, Puteaux-La Défense, 2012
Laurent Kronental
Les Tours Aillaud, Cité Pablo Picasso, Nanterre, 2014
Les Tours Aillaud, Cité Pablo Picasso, Nanterre, 2014
Laurent Kronental
Lucien, 84, Les Espaces d'Abraxas, Noisy-le-Grand, 2014
Lucien, 84, Les Espaces d'Abraxas, Noisy-le-Grand, 2014
Laurent Kronental
Denise, 81, Cité Spinoza, Ivry-sur-Seine, 2015
Denise, 81, Cité Spinoza, Ivry-sur-Seine, 2015
Laurent Kronental
Les Tours Aillaud, Cité Pablo Picasso, Nanterre, 2013
Les Tours Aillaud, Cité Pablo Picasso, Nanterre, 2013
Laurent Kronental
Jean, 89, Puteaux-La Défense, 2011
Jean, 89, Puteaux-La Défense, 2011
Laurent Kronental
Denise, 81, Cité du Parc et cité Maurice-Thorez, Ivry-sur-Seine, 2015
Denise, 81, Cité du Parc et cité Maurice-Thorez, Ivry-sur-Seine, 2015
Laurent Kronental
Joseph, 88, Noisy-le-Grand, 2014
Joseph, 88, Noisy-le-Grand, 2014
Laurent Kronental
Les Tours Aillaud, Cité Pablo Picasso, Nanterre, 2014
Les Tours Aillaud, Cité Pablo Picasso, Nanterre, 2014
Laurent Kronental
Cité Curial-Cambrai, 19e arrondissement Paris, 2015
Cité Curial-Cambrai, 19e arrondissement Paris, 2015
Laurent Kronental
Les Orgues de Flandre, 19e arrondissement Paris, 2014
Les Orgues de Flandre, 19e arrondissement Paris, 2014
Laurent Kronental
Laurent Kronental's 'Souvenir d'un Futur'

Conceived during a post-war economic boom, these estates were intended to be the embodiment of modernity and innovation. They were meant to increase living standards for the modern family, away from the hustle of the city. But they soon fell short of their utopian ideals, their residents increasingly stigmatized as poverty and crime crept in during the 1980s.

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Photographer Laurent Kronental spent four years capturing these Grands Ensembles and the elderly who live there, “to pay tribute to this often marginalized generation before it disappears,” he said in an email. Although his first work focused on the exteriors of these gigantic housing units, he eventually befriended many of his photographic subjects who would invite him into their private homes.

A world suspended in time

laurent kronental yeux des tours 18
Courtesy Laurent Kronental

His new series, “Les Yeux des Tours” (“The Eyes of the Towers”) is the result of these visits. Kronental spent two years climbing the floors of the Tours Aillaud, visiting the estate early in the morning and late in the evening to catch the melancholic, soft light that characterizes his images: “I once slept at a family’s place several days in a row to photograph the atmosphere at dawn,” he said.

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Laurent Kronental photography tease
The buildings that time forgot
04:14 - Source: CNN

“Someone of my generation even entrusted me one day with a set of his keys as they were going on holiday: sheer trust! I am more than grateful to all the residents who supported me.”

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Fascinated by the diversity of the interiors of the apartments he saw, Kronental decided to focus his images on the towers’ distinctive porthole and teardrop-shaped windows. The windows symbolized the ambiguity inherent in these estates, which today remain as aging, crumbling symbols of a once-futuristic, utopian dream.

“These windows evoked traveling; they could represent the porthole of a plane, a space capsule, a dormer window of a ship.” Kronental writes, “It also appears as a Janus-like eye observing both the world outside and the world inside. They are telling features of our society and of man’s aspirations.

“I wish to invite the spectator to discover the intimacy of the housing and to find clues of human presence within this exceptional Grand Ensemble.”