Kjetil Trædal Thorsen completed his architectural studies in Graz, Austria, in 1985 and co-founded Snøhetta in Oslo, Norway, in 1989. Today, Snøhetta is a multidisciplinary architecture and design practice with nine studios worldwide.

He has played a key role in defining Snøhetta’s philosophy and in major projects such as the new Library of Alexandria in Egypt, the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, the headquarters of the Le Monde group in Paris, Europe’s first underwater restaurant, Under, and the world’s most northerly positive energy building, Powerhouse Brattørkaia.

For his work, Kjetil Trædal Thorsen has received the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award, the Aga Khan Award for Architecture and the World Award for Sustainable Architecture, among others.

Kjetil Trædal Thorsen is a frequent lecturer and, from 2004 to 2008, was professor of architecture at the Institute for Experimental Architecture at the University of Innsbruck, Austria. He is also a frequent jury member for international design and architecture competitions and prizes, such as the Obel Award.

Winner of the competition revealed in September 2022, this project aims to restore prestige and elegance to the Cannes seafront to support the city’s ambitions and continue the developments already undertaken.

The top-of-the-range renovation and embellishment of the public spaces will be launched in early 2024.

A new floor covering is being introduced, echoing the old Suquet district and the intense colour of the nearby Massif de l’Estérel. It will help to redefine the elegant seafront, restoring the elegance of this legendary destination. A series of events punctuate this floor treatment: the ‘Spotlights’, an Art Deco-inspired paving pattern, mark out the main points of interest for walkers, such as the Palaces, the beach entrances and the Palais des Festivals. They create small squares in shades of red granite, set with gold detailing, showcasing the preciousness of this world-famous boulevard.

A line of bespoke furniture, specially designed by Snøhetta, completes the development of the Croisette. Combining comfort and safety for users, benches with supple lines emerge from the ground and resonate with the distant silhouette of L’Estérel. In a tribute to the town’s history, Art Deco-style shaded areas dot the seafront, while water features and greenery also contribute to a cooler atmosphere and a feeling of well-being. The Croisette is embellished by generous and elegant landscaping, leaving an unforgettable impression on strollers.

Ecological ambition

The project proposes a virtuous and holistic environmental approach. Biodiversity will be encouraged by the introduction of integrated water management and generous planting of the boulevard to make the Croisette lush. Species will be carefully selected from a range of endemic plants that are resistant to the Mediterranean climate.
The proposal also pays particular attention to improving the management of soft mobility in the city, both for pedestrians and cyclists. By creating a universally accessible promenade, we are increasing the number of uses, encouraging social interaction and a unique experience.