Agbar
Véronique Goël
2005 - 11 min - Beta numérique - Couleur - Suisse

This is the story, in three parts, of the Agbar Tower designed by Jean Nouvel in Barcelona. This 144 metre-high building, consisting of a circular glass and metal facade set on a cylinder protruding from an oval base, was inaugurated at the beginning of 2004. What better statement about such an oeuvre dominating the urban landscape than filming it to assess its impact?
Véronique Goël’s standpoint is radical and minimalist. She decides on four fixed shots which diminish its looming presence by merging it into the dense urban landscape. Her shots of a solid rather than prominent tower are long enough to allow us a detailed and leisurely look able to perceive the perfect banality of everyday life contrasted by this extreme architecture.
The first shot is mute, despite direct sounds of the busy city. The other three are visited by two voices. In a neutral voice without emphasis, they speak three texts in Spanish, French and English. The first text is taken from the promotional poster of the City of Barcelona, the second is a list describing the utilisation of the various floors, and the third is a description of the tower by Jean Nouvel himself.