Sometimes controversially received, Nouvel's intentions with his buildings—in his own words—is to access "...the poétique of the situation. I am a hedonist, and I want to give pleasure to other people.” Here is a sample of some of the 71-year-old architect's most influential designs throughout his illustrious career.

Torre Agbar (2004)

Barcelona, Spain

Arab World Institute (1987)

Paris, France

100 Eleventh Avenue (2010)

New York, New York

Opéra Nouvel (1993)

Lyon, France

Copenhagen Concert Hall (2009)

Copenhagen, Denmark

Building C1

Bolougne Billancourt, France

Central Park Sydney

Sydney, Australia

Philharmonie de Paris (2015)

Paris, France

Cyprus Tower (2015)

Nicosia, Cyprus

Rosewood Tower

São Paulo, Brazil