Paris La Défense

Emerging from the Underground in Paris is normally an enriching experience, often a wonderful surprise to be in one of the most beautiful man-made places in the world. That was the subject of the videos I posted some days ago. On the other hand it can also be a nightmare, emerging on the Esplanade of La Defénse in a cloudy and drizzly day at rush hours.  How could it happen that people living and working in such a beautiful city decided to built something like this? For what purpose are these buildings? What kind of ideas or ideals should they reflect? What kind quality of life should they offer? Would you imagine that the Grand Arche could be the Headquarter of the French Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, Transport and Housing (formerly Ministry of Quality of Life)?