Tour Luma in Arles – even modern architecture struggles with problems of daily life

On the former site of the SNCF in Arles, the Luma Arles Campus was created, one of the largest private art projects, bringing together art, research, exhibition and new living space for all. The centerpiece, visible from afar, is the 56-meter-high Tour Luma by Canadian architect Frank Gehry.

The tower, with its glass turret modeled on the ancient amphitheater in Arles, stands in a prominent position – and thus its entrance doors are also exposed to wind and bad weather.

According to studies, strong winds of up to 58 km/h can be expected in Arles on 82 days a year

Especially in the months from November to April, strong winds are the order of the day in Arles. The heavy glass doors, which open outwards, become a perfect target for gusts of wind in this situation. The result? Damaged door hinges, torn off arms on the overhead door closers, possibly broken glass and, in the worst case, even injuries to people.

On the other hand, the Luma Arles Campus is intended to attract the tourists and artists that the city urgently needs, especially in the winter months. The doors must therefore ensure safe and unrestricted access to the Tour Luma at all times of the year.

Back checks to the rescue

Eiffage Métal in Arles not only built the 5,000 square meters of the metal façade of the Tour Luma, but also took care of many small details necessary to make a visit to the Tour Luma a special experience. With the help of DICTATOR back checks, Eiffage Métal solved the wind problem of the doors. They do not start to intervene until a certain opening speed is reached, and then slow down the door so that it can no longer slam open without control. In addition, the back checks were supplied with a hold-open at 90°, so that in fine weather the doors can remain open even in windy conditions.

Allegedly, the painting “Starry Night” by Vincent van Gogh inspired the architect in the design of the Tour Luma. And we, at DICTATOR, are of course proud that we were also able to contribute a small part to the success of the work of art.

The metallurgical company that built the entire façade of the Tour Luma is also an artist when it comes to small things: because despite the narrow frame of the glass door and already installed overhead door closers, he installed the back checks with corresponding brackets so that they work together with the door closers.

The back checks harmonize with the existing overhead door closers – they complement them with their integrated hold-open at 90 ° to protect them. An ideal combination that prevents expensive repairs and thus saves a lot of money and trouble.

One reason for the spectacular façade of the Tour Luma: it is intended to reflect the light in its most varied nuances at any time of day. This even works in the interior. Although doors, frames and back checks look different in each of the three photos, they are all made of the same material and have the same surface.