Fondation Louis Vuitton Construction: A Technical Narrative

A behind-the-scenes view of timber arches, steel joints, and glass sails at the Fondation Louis Vuitton.

1/21/2026

19 min read

Wood Arches Steel Joint Internal Roof

Overview

Inside the making of the Fondation Louis Vuitton: wood arches, steel joints, glass sails—coordination at architectural and craft scales.

Phasing Table

Phase	Scope
Foundations	Substructure, services
Timber Arches	Fabrication, erection
Steel Ribs	Connection + stability
Glass Sails	Panelization + install

Note: Digital coordination aligned shop drawings with on-site tolerances.

Field Notes

Tolerances refined per interface.
Crane lifts sequenced to reduce rework.
Test panels validate color livery.

Craft & Computation

Cardboard/wood models inform digital rationalization.
CATIA coordinates complex joints and ribs.

Checklist

Verify tolerances at each interface.
Sequence lifts to reduce rework.
Align livery with test panels.

About the Author

Paris Culture Desk

I wrote this guide so your visit to the Fondation Louis Vuitton feels calm, curious, and well‑timed—without missing what makes Gehry’s building so special.