Born in Fumel, France. He was educated at the Ecole des Beaux-Art in Paris.

He was a foundation member of "Mars 1976" and Syndicat de l'Architecture.

^{Concerthall Lucerne by Jean Nouvel}

Famous buildings include:

• Culture and Convention Center, Lucerne (see right)
• The Hotel (reconstruction), Lucerne
• Galeries Lafayette, Berlin (1996)
• Nemausus, Nîmes, France