The neo-futuristic architecture of Denys Laming through the eyes of Aumont Aurelien

/ Art /
The Futuroscope amusement park in the French city of Poitiers, built in the late 80s, became a symbol of technological ambitions and a prototype of modern interactive museums of science and technology. Photographer Aumont Aurelien took a series of pictures of Laming's futuristic pavilions to find out whether his architectural style remains relevant today. 

In the mid-80s, when France was going through an economic crisis, the government decided to test the way of regional development, built a business park and an innovative amusement park in the agricultural hinterland using the most advanced technologies at that time.

Le Tapis Magique is a structure in the form of an organ, 5 kilometers of fiberglass pipes, which are illuminated by multi-colored LEDs. The height of the facade reaches 60 meters. Photo: Aumond Aurélien

Kinemax is a building in the form of a crystal, symbolizing the wisdom and perfection of nature. Photo: Aumond Aurélien

One of the initiators of the construction of the Futuroskop technopolis was the French neo-futurist architect Denis Laming. Currently, he is engaged in the design of new cities in China and the UAE, and Futuroscope became his first large-scale and iconic work. Laming developed the projects of several pavilions that have become symbols of the park. Pavilions made of glass, architectural concrete and aluminum are characterized by simple geometric shapes. Various techno-attractions, IMAX cinemas, interactive stands of scientific institutes, and an observatory are located here.

Pavillon du Futuroscope - the main pavilion of the park was opened in 1987 to demonstrate achievements in the computer field. Photo: Aumond Aurélien

Imax 3D – the mirror facade of the pavilion with a concave lens reflects an upside-down picture, inviting you into the world of optical illusions. Photo: Aumond Aurélien

"In the series of Futuroscope pictures, iconic buildings of the park, built in the late 80s and 90s, are presented. They are devoid of context and distracting objects, allowing you to focus only on architecture. My goal was to find out whether Denis Laming's neo-futuristic architecture is still relevant? - this is what the photographer Orelen writes about his works, inviting viewers to a dialogue.

Omnimax - a structure with a layer immersed in a cube and a tropical garden symbolizes the union of spirit and matter. Photo: Aumond Aurélien

Les Animaux du Futur (rear facade) is a pavilion dedicated to animals. Photo: Aumond Aurélien

The Congress Center - a building with a conference hall was built in 1995. Photo: Aumond Aurélien

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France