Architecture Update: Cartier's jewel

THE Paris-based Fondation Cartier chose the avant-garde architect Jean Nouvel to design its new premises in Boulevard Raspail because he is 'the only architect capable of designing a building of the 21st century'. The building, opened to great acclaim last week, is Nouvel's latest experiment with glass and light, used to such effect at the Institut Arabe du Monde, in Paris. Designed as a sequence of layered glass walls interspersed with trees, Nouvel says his latest building 'puts an end to the accepted idea of neutral and unadventurous use of architectural transparency'. The foundation officially opens in May with its programme to promote contemporary artists through temporary exhibitions and installations. Details on 010 331 42 18 56 50.