Hi, I’m Banu Altay.
I’ve been an architect for 23 years and the Founder of Sia Moore.
Today, I’m gonna break down the most significant buildings in Blockbuster movie
The Da Vinci Code.
Let’s go ahead with the Louvre Pyramid in The Da Vinci Code.
Well the Louvre Pyramid is a great place to start, since it represents this movie quite
well.
In 1981, the newly elected French President, Francois Mitterrand, launched a campaign to
renovate cultural institutions all around France.
One of the most prestigious of those projects was the renovation of the Louvre.
In 1983 after touring Europe and the United States, President Mitterrand commissioned
the Chinese American architect, I.M. Pei for the job.
Yet, this was the first time that a foreign architect was chosen to work on the Louvre
museum.
The renovation by I.M. Pei, proved to be quite controversial.
Some loved it.
Some hated it.
Whether you love it or not, the Louvre Pyramid has become one of the most well-recognized
architectural structures in the world.
So now, let’s take closer look at this fabulous
landmark.
Assembled with detailed precision on an aluminum framework, this extraordinary building is
supported by 95 tons of beams and stainless steel joists.
Pei insisted for the pyramid to be totally transparent, which was nearly impossible at
the time.
Because, glass usually had a greenish tint. As you here.
But Pei, didn’t settle for anything less than perfect.
He cooperated with a French manufacturing company; so they created this extra clear,
laminated glass for the facade of the building.
Here you can see how much glass was used at this 22 meters high pyramid; it is made up
of 800 glass panels to be exact.
With this, I.M. Pei intented to create a spacious and an imposing space, which he eventually
achieved.
However, let’s not forget the underground of Louvre, which is just as important as the
Pyramid.
I.M. Pei came up with the idea to create an underground connection between the many historical
buildings of the museum.
His new design provided a system of underground galleries, storage and preservation spaces.
Also with the new grand entrance; Pei established a more convenient central lobby that is separate
from the galleries … featuring visitors a spiral museum experience.
As of right now, Louvre stands as the largest art museum in the World.
Tom Hanks’s character Robert Langdon lands in France, the first
images that we see, are of The Louvre Pyramid.
That shows how much this gorgeous landmark became a cultural and an historical
symbol for France; just like its dazzling counterpart: the beautiful Eiffel Tower.
Classic Red British Telephone Box.
The red british telephone box can be seen numerous times during the movie.
When you think of London, first thing that comes to mind is a red telephone booth.
It became a usual sight on the streets.
But, how did this simple telephone booth became such a crowd pleaser?
The pop of red on the street was chosen specifically so that the booth would be easily spotted.
The telephone box, is actually a telephone kiosk designed by Sir Gilbert Scott.
Despite a reduction in their numbers in recent years, the traditional British red telephone
kiosk can still be seen in many places throughout the UK.
This British cultural icon is always topped with a crown, to represent the British government.
All of the designs of the telephone booth had been assigned the letter “K” and a
following number.
Designs from K1 to K6, all bare the British crown, but the one we are familiar with is
the “K2”.
Which also has been voted as one of the Britain’s top design icons.
Although production of the traditional boxes ended with the advent of the KX series in
1985, many still stand in Britain.
Even though they’re few in numbers, many of them continue to be a must-have prop in
movies.
In instance, As Tom Hank’s character and Audrey Tatou’s character attempt to solve
a riddle, they randomly pass by the infamous telephone booth.
Stay tuned to see what Sia Moore has for you next week.