Construction works on the controversial Tour Triangle are steadily progressing in Paris. Designed by acclaimed Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the 42-storey office building has divided opinion in the French capital for more than a decade. Many Parisians and preservationists raised concerns over its impact on the city’s visual identity, which is famously low-rise and historic. The last comparable tower, the 60-storey Tour Montparnasse, was completed in 1973, and continues to spark debate.
A Glass-Centric Vision for the Future
What sets the Tour Triangle apart in the architectural world is its daring reliance on glass. With a full bioclimatic façade made of high-performance glass panels, the structure aims to balance bold aesthetics with environmental performance. The glass envelope will play a critical role in maximizing natural daylight while limiting solar heat gain, reducing energy consumption and improving comfort inside.
Sustainability at Its Core
The tower is targeting prestigious environmental certifications including HQE Exceptional and BREEAM Excellent. Its glass façade will be supported by sustainable systems like photovoltaic panels, geothermal energy, and low-carbon aluminium curtain walls. This makes the project a prime example of how the glass industry is innovating for a greener future.
Industry Impact
Tour Triangle is the largest skyscraper to rise in central Paris in over 50 years, and a landmark opportunity for European glass manufacturers, engineers, and façade specialists. Despite the backlash, it’s a bold demonstration of how glass can reshape the urban experience, literally and sustainably. 
Source: Glass Balkan
