The book is the first comprehensive contribution to knowledge of the work of Fernand Pouillon (1912-86), including a very large number of projects and constructions in France, Algeria and Iran.
[Fernand Pouillon. Architect of the 200 columns] Fernand Pouillon (1912-86) is an outstanding figure, controversial but indubitably a protagonist of French contemporary architecture. His career was long and very prolific, his life adventurous and troubled. The book is the first comprehensive contribution to knowledge of his work, including a very large number of projects and constructions in France, Algeria and Iran. His works include the La Tourette quarter and the reconstruction of the old port of Marseilles (1949-53) – for which he developed very innovative logistical and financial worksite organization techniques – and the estate of 3500 economical housing units in Climat de France in Algeria (1953-57), an intentionally monumental complex whose fulcrum is a building with 200 columns bordering an enormous indoor space. Erudite and refined, experimental by nature, Pouillon also paid close attention to the more traditional, lasting values of construction practice, combining rigor and fantasy.