Created between 1987 and 1989, La place des Degrés is an artistic vision developed in a public space. This mineral space is composed of 3 terraces staggered over a height of 10 metres.

The progression is punctuated by monumental fragments. The emanation of two pyramids can be seen, a red border seems to orientate the passer-by, a wave of granite upsets the established order. Green spaces are incorporated into this composition.

In the square, a steel "V" protrudes from the ground in a red band, as if to direct the eye towards Puteaux. The paving of the square, seen from a certain height, portrays the thinker Blaise Pascal.

Kowalski presents another work at La Défense: Escalier.
 

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.