Arab World Institute in Encyclopedia

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Arab World Institute

Poster for the exhibition "Bonaparte & Egypt" at the Arab World Institute in Paris

The mechanically light sensitive brise soleil designed by Jean Nouvel behind the glass curtain wall on the AWI's southwest face

The Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA) or Arab World Institute (AWI), in English, is an organization founded in Paris in 1980 by 18 Arab countries with France to research and disseminate information about the Arab world and its cultural and spiritual values. The Institute also promotes cooperation and exchanges between France and the Arab nations, particularly in the areas of science and technology, contributing to understanding between the Arab world and Europe. Libya joined the institute in 1984.

Architectural features of the AWI building
Presidents of the AWI
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Architectural features of the AWI building

Raghunath Manet performing at the AWI

A 13th century three-color Syrian ceramic in the AWI museum and exhibition gallery

The AWI is located in a building known as the Institut du Monde Arabe, the same name as the institute, on Rue des Foss s Saint Bernard in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, France. It was constructed from 1981 to 1987 and has floor space of . Jean Nouvel, together with Architecture-Studio, won the 1981 design competition with a highly original plan for a difficult site that, over the years, have proven to be a successful design solution.

The building acts as a buffer zone between the Jussieu Campus of Pierre and Marie Curie University (Paris VI), built in large rationalist urban blocks, and the Seine. The river fa ade follows the curve of the waterway, reducing the hardness of a rectangular grid and offering an inviting view from the Sully Bridge. At the same time the building appears to fold itself back in the direction of the Saint-Germain-des-Pr s district.

In contrast to the curved surface on the river side, the southwest fa ade is an uncompromisingly rectangular glass-clad curtain wall. It faces a large square public space that opens toward the le de la Cit and Notre Dame. Visible behind the glass wall, a metallic screen unfolds with moving geometric motifs. The motifs are actually 240 photo-sensitive motor-controlled apertures, or shutters, which act as a sophisticated brise soleil that automatically opens and closes to control the amount of light and heat entering the building from the sun. The mechanism creates interior spaces with filtered light — an effect often used in Islamic architecture with its climate-oriented strategies. The innovative use of technology and success of the building's design catapulted Nouvel to fame and is one of the cultural reference points of Paris. Notably, the building received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

The building houses a museum, library, auditorium, restaurant, and offices.