Stacy -- I agree that good architecture has its place in both form and function. The problem is that (so often) French architects tend to flex a lot of architectural muscle.!!

Ha... Sitting here at my desk, I look directly out on the Tour Montparnasse which is not too far away. It reminds me a little bit of the IDS tower in Minneapolis but doesn't look as good. On the other hand, I have a great view of the Eiffel Tower if I step out on my "balcony" (a gross exaggeration to call it that, really).

The new tower looks interesting and kind of pretty in the pictures and may be just the thing to jazz up the Porte de Versailles area.

OH STACY ... like minds:

I just finished reading this!
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/10/07/paris.skyscraper/index.html

I'm ambivalent but also a pragmatist. As long as no skyscrapers are constructed in inner Paris. The Tour Montparnasse is a constant eye sore unless you're in it!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/3073973/Images-of-first-Paris-skyscraper-leaked.html

The 50-story pyramid-like tower will be located at the Porte de Versailles and will likely have boutiques, offices, a luxury hotel, a panoramic restaurant, and more. It's scheduled to be completed by 2012.