France. Paris. Five fiberglass sculptures from Italian architect and designer Fabio Novembre, inspired by the Fiat 500C model and containing a planted tree, are exhibited on the prestigious Place Vendome in Paris. The exhibition, named 'Un Arbre pour l'Espoir' (A Tree for Hope) will be displaying 12 sculptures from Fabio Novembre, from June 3 to June 29. Since 2005, Designing Hope project has been using contemporary art as a tool to create awareness in its fight against HIV and Aids-related discrimination. Place Vendôme is a square in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. Its regular architecture by Jules Hardouin-Mansart and pedimented screens canted across the corners give the rectangular Place Vendôme the aspect of an octagon. The original Vendôme Column at the center of the square was erected by Napoleon I to commemorate the battle of Austerlitz; it was torn down on 16 May 1871, by decree of the Paris Commune, but subsequently re-erected and remains a prominent feature on the square today. 10.06.10 © 2010 Didier Ruef