Londonalgiers, I don't think it's true to say that we don't know the sort of alterations being planned.
A simple google search will reveal all sorts of information:
Thought to be one of the finest examples of mid-17th-century domestic architecture anywhere in France, the mansion will have a new look if the renovations proposed by its new owners go forward. According to a report in Le Monde, the 4,000 pages of architects’ plans call for the installation of four elevators, dozens of new bathrooms, air-conditioning, and an underground garage with an exit straight through the building's famous curving wall. In addition, skylights added in the 19th century will be demolished, the roof will be adjusted, and 17th-century-style chimney-pots will be added.
...
The building, built between 1639 and 1644 by Louis Le Vau for the personal secretary of King Louis XIII, is considered to be one of the most innovative and coherent examples of mid-17th-century domestic architecture anywhere in France.
Experts say that the relatively limited changes made to the hotel over recent centuries mean that the work of globally renowned artists such as Charles Le Brun remain in an almost pristine state.
"It is strictly forbidden to refurbish anything," said Mignot, an architectural historian. "You [can only] repair or restore."
Londonalgiers, I don't think it's true to say that we don't know the sort of alterations being planned.
A simple google search will reveal all sorts of information:
Thought to be one of the finest examples of mid-17th-century domestic architecture anywhere in France, the mansion will have a new look if the renovations proposed by its new owners go forward. According to a report in Le Monde, the 4,000 pages of architects’ plans call for the installation of four elevators, dozens of new bathrooms, air-conditioning, and an underground garage with an exit straight through the building's famous curving wall. In addition, skylights added in the 19th century will be demolished, the roof will be adjusted, and 17th-century-style chimney-pots will be added.
...
The building, built between 1639 and 1644 by Louis Le Vau for the personal secretary of King Louis XIII, is considered to be one of the most innovative and coherent examples of mid-17th-century domestic architecture anywhere in France.
Experts say that the relatively limited changes made to the hotel over recent centuries mean that the work of globally renowned artists such as Charles Le Brun remain in an almost pristine state.
"It is strictly forbidden to refurbish anything," said Mignot, an architectural historian. "You [can only] repair or restore."
http://www.artinfo.com/news/story/29884/french-intellectuals-qatari-roya...
I can't see how this could be viewed as just a petty vendetta against Arab monarchs or whatever.