Piotr Kowalski designed the staircase linking the Parvis to the Place du Dôme. The unique talent of an architect with the soul of an artist is evident. The large, gently sloping staircase traces clear, sober lines, highlighted by planted tubs in which a play of lighting adds a touch of magic at dusk.

Kowalski presents another work at La Défense: La place des Degrés.

Born in Lvov, Ukraine (then part of Poland) in 1927, Piotr Kowalski left his homeland at the age of 18 to travel in Europe and South America.

During the 1950s, while working as an architect in New York, Kowalski's research led to a number of achievements, including a prototype translucent polyester electrical transformer, stores and a school.

In 1957, he gave up his activities as an architect to take an interest in the plastic arts, using his scientific skills.

His first major exhibition was held in Berne in 1963. Using materials (glass, steel, Plexiglas) and energies (light, magnetic fields), he took part in research into luminokinetic art.

He died in 2004.