France, 1983. The biggest architectural competition in history is launched by the new socialist president, François Mitterrand. Coveted by all the biggest international architectural firms, the open-call competition is surprisingly won by an unknown: Johan Otto von Spreckelsen, an architecture teacher from Copenhagen. Until then, the fifty-year-old Dane had built only four buildings: his home, and three small chapels.

Johan Otto von Spreckelsen

Jean-Louis Subilon

Paul Andreu

Liv von Spreckelsen

Alain Juppé

Leloup

Marble man

Architect student

Tavelli

Saint-Germain

Alain Juppé's counselor

L'huissier Elysée

Secrétaire Subilon
November 5, 2025

Johan Otto von Spreckelsen

Jean-Louis Subilon

Paul Andreu

Liv von Spreckelsen

Alain Juppé

Leloup

Marble man

Architect student

Tavelli

Saint-Germain

Alain Juppé's counselor

L'huissier Elysée

Secrétaire Subilon
