Paris Without Skyscrapers

Please join the ICAA Louisiana Chapter for a book lecture by Mary Campbell Gallagher as she discusses her new book, Paris Without Skyscrapers. Gallagher will discuss the ICPP's mission to promoting traditional architecture and urbanism in Paris.

The world loves Paris for its beauty, and most people think that it will always be beautiful. But the city’s leaders are about to destroy its beauty. Although in 2007, they took a poll and 63 percent of residents wanted “no tall buildings,” in 2008, they started building skyscrapers anyway. Re-elected in 2020 by a mere 18 percent of eligible voters, their mandate is fragile. But they plan to make Paris more "modern."

Paris does not belong to France alone, still less to its ambitious politicians. Paris belongs to the world. We believe that the world simply does not know what the politicians are up to. In the book Paris Without Skyscrapers/Paris sans gratte-ciel, to be published in both English and French, 49 experts in fields from architecture to economics to politics tell why "modernizing" Paris is a mistake.

A graduate of Harvard Law School with a Ph.D. in linguistic theory, Mary Campbell Gallagher is founder and president of the International Coalition for the Preservation of Paris, ICPP. She has published and spoken widely on new building projects in Paris. She is editor of the forthcoming book Paris Without Skyscrapers, to be published in French as Paris sans gratte-ciel. ICPP's mission is to promote the traditional architecture and urbanism of Paris.

This event is hosted by an ICAA Chapter. Please check the Chapter website or contact the Chapter directly, for the most up-to-date details including dates, times, and pricing.

Learning Objectives

• See how the leaders of Paris have historically aimed to make the city beautiful, competing with other great cities, especially Rome and, now, London.
• Trace the structure of Parisian urbanism, with leading markers including the Louvre and Notre-Dame, and with fine-knit patterns of streets, places, and buildings, where public spaces predominate over individual buildings.
• Be aware of leading arguments for and against skyscrapers that entered into the 2008 City Council vote to start building towers on the periphery, despite the acknowledged opposition of residents.
• Understand the political opportunities and limits of opposition to the anti-urban initiatives coming from Paris City Hall.

AIA Provider Information

Please click here for additional AIA Continuing Education Provider Information:

Instructional Delivery Method: Live Online Learning Program

Program Level: Introductory

Prerequisites: None required

AIA CES Program Approval Expiration Date: June 10, 2024

Provider Number: G193

Provider Statement: The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number G193. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES ([email protected] or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).

This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product.

AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.