23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
The Parisian Hidden Facade

Captured during a trip in Paris in March 2025, this shot frames the imposing silhouette of Les Orgues de Flandre, a powerful example of Brutalist and post-modern architecture by Martin S. Van Treek. As an architect, I was drawn to the sharp, dark angles of the surrounding buildings, their textured concrete walls and distinctive hexagonal windows, which create a dramatic, contrasting 'frame' for the lighter, towering facade in the background. It’s a study in light, shadow, and the dramatic perspectives of the Parisian périphérie.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 03.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Paris, France
Camera: NIKON D5000
Copyright: © Eugenio Pizzo