The most important realizations of the architect Jean Balladur belong to the 60s and 70s. At that time his plans represented significant changes for the structure of the French seaside town and indeed for the philosophy of tourism related to these areas. One of the most significant works of Balladur responds to the name Grande Motte: the architect designed an entire beach area from virgin territory. The main buildings are shaped like a pyramid and inspired by typical pre-Columbian constructions of Mexico known as the Ziggurat. For the first time buildings were designed perpendicular to the coast, so was eliminated the traditional hierarchy between houses more or less exposed to the sea. The buildings were built with facades of sixty degrees that would allow a different view every home that was served with a balcony.
All Balladur's projects, which include numerous palaces, have common features. First of all is the inspiration comes from a visit to Brazil during which he had the opportunity to observe the work of Oscar Niemeyer and the particular use that he makes of cement. The man is at the center of the architecture and the achievements despite the fact that are make in hard materials have forms very soft. The white is used constantly for the construction of exterior walls to allow special play of light and shadows accentuated by windows, openings and balconies that seem stolen to art sculpture.
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