Guillaume Tronchet

French architect Guillaume Tronchet studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris since 1886. Five years later, he graduated with a project called “Un Eden” and worked as an architect in Paris until 1898. During this time, he travelled to Italy, Spain, Dalmatia and Montenegro. Later, he served in several public positions and was Head Architect for civil buildings and national palaces, mostly in the Art Déco style, since 1906. In 1908 Tronchet built Juvisy airport, the world’s first airport, and from 1911-1936 he was responsible for the Elysee Palace. In 1929 he was entrusted with the construction of a new building for the Ministry of Employment in Paris in the 7th arrondissement, for which he used modern materials and techniques and famous decorative artists, such as the brothers Martel for the sculptures, and Jacques Grüber for the glass windows. He also held various positions including member of the Board of Fine Arts, the Société des architectes diplômés du gouvernement (S.A.D.G.) since 1891, the French Society of Artists since 1923 and others, and was appointed Commander of the Legion of Honor in 1926.

Tronchet’s entries in the 1928 art competition were several details of his competition project for the 1924 Olympic stadium in Paris, which was awarded the third Prize and was eventually not realized.