Champs-Élysées Fountains

Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec were commissioned to reimagine the fountains of the Champs-Élysées. The poetic dimension of their proposal is rooted in the history of the site and their desire for beauty and simplicity, in response to the current demand for art in public spaces.

‍

Each fountain features a central bronze mast, to which three arms are attached, adorned with luminous crystal links. Water rises vertically through the central mast, flows down through the crystal beads, and spills into the basin, while LED lights integrated into each arm complete the spatial composition. With their slender silhouette and branches suspended four meters above the ground, this new addition to the Parisian urban landscape blends into its environment, aligning with the canopy of the surrounding trees.

The structure also allows these luminous elements to move at a slow pace, rotating around their axis at a speed of half a turn per minute. The mechanical system, including collectors, gears, and gear motors, is hidden from view and integrated into the frame. The technical galleries and water circuit are installed underground to preserve the sobriety and purity of the design.

Once in motion, this harmonious ensemble takes on an ephemeral appearance. Like urban candelabras in constant evolution, these fountains punctuate the legendary perspective between the Place de la Concorde and the Place de l’Étoile. The intervention by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec, located on "the most beautiful avenue in the world," pays tribute to this historical context by combining sophistication with simplicity.

In terms of sustainability, the fountains were designed to operate with a limited electricity supply of 9 kWh per day per fountain, while the use of LEDs ensures responsible daily energy consumption, limited to 4.5 kWh. The water jets operate in a closed circuit.

‍

Commissioned in 2016 by the Fonds pour Paris, the project was developed through a valuable collaboration between engineers, designers, artisans, manufacturers, and creators. From their artistic design led by the Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec studio in Paris, to their implementation orchestrated by the blam Lemunier & Meyer workshop in Nantes, their production at the SACMO company and the new Gillet foundry in Albi, at LBI Les Bronzes d’Industrie in Metz, and including the Swarovski crystals from Wattens, the fountains traveled 3,062 kilometers and brought together more than 250 people, as well as numerous partners.

‍

More information:

Presentation booklet for the Champs-Élysées Fountains