Ever since it was built in the 70s, the utilitarian ventilation shaft in the Esplanade basement has been covered with a fresco. However, the concept eventually became anachronistic in view of its immediate surroundings, and in particular its prestigious neighbor: the Cœur Défense complex. Unibail, the project's developer, therefore decided to implement a more contemporary project, which became a work of art combining copper, wood and hundreds of plants.
This living, touching island is 16 metres high, with a wide base measuring 7.5 by 12 metres.

Other works in the La Défense collection are also based on ventilation shafts:

• Mosaïque and Vive le vent by Michel Deverne;
• Le Moretti by Raymond Moretti;
• Les Trois Arbres by Guy-Rachel Grataloup;
• Cheminées by Philolaos Tloupas.

Born in Paris in 1957, Édouard François has taken a resolutely contemporary approach to architecture, emphasizing integration with the environment and sustainable development. His work can be seen in major museums such as the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Guggenheim in New York and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

An innovative architect, he blends the mineral of cities with the vegetation of fields. He blurs the boundaries between landscape and architecture, even using plants as building materials, in collaboration with botanist Patrick Blanc.