Theme 3 — A Valorizing Natural Elements and Landscapes

from Europan 16 Results Catalogue - Living Cities /1

Theme 3 — C Reinventing Rurality and Productive Heritage

Theme 3 — A

Valorizing Natural Elements and Landscapes

These sites are located at the edge of parks and forests or situated within agricultural or planted areas. The projects’ actors have to embrace mechanisms of care for natural and manmade landscapes. The sites may be transformed into interfaces with porous edges to support the habitats of the landscapes. Carouge (CH) 176 Hjertelia (NO) 180 Karlskoga (SE) 186 Niort (FR) 190

SCALE — L URBAN + ARCHITECTURAL LOCATION — CAROUGE, GENEVA POPULATION — 23,000 INHAB. STRATEGIC SITE — 200 HA / PROJECT SITE — 2.7 HA SITE PROPOSED BY — STATE OF GENEVA / CITY OF CAROUGE ACTOR(S) INVOLVED — STATE OF GENEVA / CITY OF CAROUGE OWNER(S) OF THE SITE — MIXED: PRIVATE & PUBLIC OWNERS

FARÈS DERROUICHE —

Urban planning officer at the State of Geneva

PIERRE CHAPUIS —

Urban planning officer at the Municipality of Carouge

1/ What are the main questions asked to the competitors for the transformation of the site? — How can nature contribute to creating a new identity? — What intensities and centrality are needed for the Fontenette area? — How to develop a global vision for the area while retaining traces of its history? — Where and how to build new, high-quality housing? — How to generate interactions between nature, the built environment, and the social components of the site? — How can the population be involved in developing ideas?

2/ How is the site linked to the two subtopics of “metabolism” and “inclusivity”? Europan 16 is an opportunity to give meaning and identity to the Fontenette site, characterized by the juxtaposition of entities lacking any overall coherence. It is a “void” in terms of planning and does not fully take advantage of the presence of nature which plays a major role. The goal is to produce a living piece of neighbourhood that will contribute to the Ecological and Solidarity-Based Transition (TES) of Carouge, which is exactly fitting the themes of metabolism and inclusivity.

3/ Have you already defined a specific process for the territorial and/or urban and/or architectural development of the site after the Europan competition? Do you expect a proposal of process from the competitors linked to what they proposed in their prize-winning projects? Carouge Municipality and the State of Geneva were looking for complementarity solutions to exploit synergies between the selected projects, useful to a variety of actors within a variety of scales. The results arising out of the competition are fitting these expectations and are going to be incorporated into an open discussion around the revision of the municipal masterplan (PDCom, in application since 2009). Carouge Municipality and the State of Geneva will further meet with the shortlisted teams and organize a workshop & public debate in order to build a collective understanding of this site.

MARC DE TASSIGNY (CH), LEONHARD KANAPIN (CH) KIM PITTIER (CH), STEFANIA MALANGONE (CH), ARCHITECTS FÉLIX BRÜSSOW (DE), LANDSCAPE ENGINEER NICOLAS WAECHTER (FR), URBAN PLANNER ORIANE MARTIN (CH), GEOGRAPHER

Gold Line

Team point of view — Gold Line offers the opportunity to live and experience the Fontenette district and banks of the Arve in a new way. Giving greater space to the waters of the Arve and its riparian zone, this project requalifies and enhances the sector thanks to the surrounding nature, while reconnecting the different districts within. The sector will host new activities, leisure, relaxation, meeting and walking areas, as well as a new hub for artisanry and craftsmanship. Through these transformations, Fontenette will become a space linking humans to nature: a new ecosystem generating novel uses and encounters, allowing this sector of Carouge to live through its metabolic and inclusive vitality.

Jury point of view — The jury liked this proposal in which the authors subtly attribute precise identities to the different components of the place, open-up the various sectors through active travel modes, while at the same time enhancing the landscape quality of the site. Drawing on a careful observation of the site, the project’s authors identify and name several themed places. These names are used to assign a specific and precise development intention to the different places.

STEVE HARDY (FR) LILI SZABO (FR) ARCHITECTS BERLIN (DE), LYON (FR), VERSAILLES (FR) +33 628332866 CULTIVATINGSYNERGIES@OUTLOOK.COM STEVEHARDY.ALWAYSDATA.NET LILISZABO.WIXSITE.COM/CONSTELLATING

Cultivating Synergies

Team point of view — This quite late urbanized area of Carouge is a patchwork of water, loose constructions, forest, and sports facilities. It has at the same time a picturesque potential and some structural issues for the quality of its urban life and biodiversity. The project proposes to reinforce the different axes and strengths of the area, giving them continuity and putting them in resonance to generate new spaces, qualities and opportunities. The reading and proposed actions are set on a wider and smaller scale to have a fine intervention level, but generating at the same time the coherence that the site lacks nowadays. This proposal is a first framework for an open discussion and conception process to cultivate new synergies in Carouge-Fontenette.

Jury point of view — The jury appreciated the in-depth analysis of the site, with its very attentive and “benevolent” focus. The development of the place by means of localised and sensitive measures, and an economy of resources, respects the different identities and their constraints, highlights their strengths and points the way towards the coexistence of the place’s different uses and atmospheres. The project divides the site into three different layers and reinforce them, creating urban, social and environmental synergies between them.

the suggestion box

the wishes time

the transformation time

the productive neighborhood

cultivating synergies

PHILIPP R.W. URECH (CH), ARCHITECT, LANDSCAPER ANTOINE VIALLE (FR), ARCHITECT, URBANIST YANNICK POYAT (FR), AGRONOMY-LANDSCAPE ENGINEER WWW.TOPOSTUDIO.CH LINKEDIN.COM/IN/ANTOINEVIALLE-5575A8203/ WWW.PLANISOL.CH

Regenerating Carouge Grounds

Team point of view — The open spaces in the Fontenette offers a unique opportunity to regenerate an area of river divagation, cool atmosphere and leisure, essential to the Greater Geneva. The Fontenette neighbourhood is destined to become an inhabited landscape and ecological infrastructure. According to the potentialities of the site, 3 objectives are targeted for regenerating the Carouge Fontenette grounds: (In)filtering waters; Cooling the urban atmosphere; Towards carbon neutrality. The project aims at establishing a connecting ecological infrastructure according to three strategies generating the morphologies of the project : 1. ECOLOGICAL CORRIDORS, Demineralization, Soft Mobility and Metabolic Exchanges; 2. THREE SOILS, Circular Economy of Materials; 3. CONNECTING PUBLIC SPACES, the “Re-Invention” of Carouge.

Jury point of view — The project deliberately focuses on the issues of climate, water and soil, the latter being presented as a prime protagonist of local metabolic dynamism. One of the strengths of this project is its close analysis of the components that constitute the climatic aspects of the local milieu. Starting with the soil, the role of water is tackled from several perspectives (infiltration, contribution to the microclimate), but also from a more social angle (access to water). The project spotlights invisible and nevertheless essential elements such as air flows, water and heat balances, the nature of the ground surface.

1. Ecological corridors

maintained roadways underground parking lots demineralized surfaces ecological corridors (water/air) soft mobility network demineralized surfaces community gardens urban farming green and domestic waste (organic matter) construction waste (mineral substract) composting and soil mixing progressive redistribution on the 3 terraces

2. Three soils

SCALE — S ARCHITECTURAL LOCATION — HØNEFOSS, RINGERIKE POPULATION — 9,600 INHAB. STRATEGIC SITE — 60 HA / PROJECT SITE — 3.7 HA SITE PROPOSED BY — RINGERIKE MUNICIPALITY ACTOR(S) INVOLVED — RINGERIKE MUNICIPALITY OWNER(S) OF THE SITE — RINGERIKE MUNICIPALITY

CITY OF HJERTELIA & EUROPAN NORWAY —

1/ What are the main questions asked to the competitors for the transformation of the site? We have asked the competitors to propose a new pilot neighbourhood that embraces sustainability in the broadest sense possible.

2/ How is the site linked to the two subtopics of “metabolism” and “inclusivity”? The site is strongly connected to the theme of metabolism and brings forward a range of issues related to construction in natural and agricultural land, suburban development that is a pressing concern in smaller towns all over the country. The winning proposal is very exciting in this regard, as the land use strategy favours dense strips of buildings in a productive landscape that can be developed over time. It proposes a strategy that negates the issue of waiting for the new railway line, as well as good methods for developing community around new sustainable practises.

ANTOINE LE METAYER (FR) AXEL MAK (FR) WARREN LOUIS-MARIE (FR) ARCHITECTS SAMMEN ARCHITECTURE, PARIS (FR) CONTACT@SAMMEN.FR WWW.SAMMEN.FR @SAMMEN_ARCHITECTURE

Building the Ecotone

Team point of view — In Hjertelia, we want to develop a new form of neighbourhood where agriculture, manufacturing processes and cooperative housing come together as an alternative to low-density suburban housing. Hjertelia is a perfect example of an ecotone, a transition area between two ecosystems. Located between city and countryside, it is a sharp boundary line where synergies have to be created, where the city can expand without degrading soils and agriculture can meet biodiversity. The long delay before the arrival of the new train line gives the possibility of a staged development of the site. First, we will focus on the development of an agricultural community. Then, we will attract people through prototyping and education. Finally, sustainable and flexible housings will be implemented in a metabolic way.

Jury point of view — The project proposes a strong linear organisation on the sloping site for living and food production to coexist. Closely spaced built forms alternate with open fields of productive landscape. This landscape strategy does not depend on any aesthetic but is robust and open enough to embrace uncertainty and facilitate a variety of authors and stakeholders as well as time and change. There is a clear ambition for innovative building techniques, piloting and sustainable practices by forming relationships with local farmers, academic researchers, the industry and members of the public.

Housing units

Bike loop Piazza The central plaza

Crops Market hall House for all

Workshop Collaboration

TIN PHAN (NO), ARCHITECT, URBANIST SCOTT DOIG (GB), PHOEBE CHU (HK) ARCHITECTS AIR STUDIO / HAPTIC ARCHITECTS, OSLO (NO) TIN@AIRSTUDIO.NO / WWW.AIRSTUDIO.NO SCOTTDOIG@HAPTICARCHITECTS.COM / WWW.HAPTICARCHITECTS.COM

Growing a Community

Team point of view — The site of Hjertelia is situated on a sloping hill, surrounded by nature. Hjertelia’s surroundings are the only development sites that overlaps with existing farmlands in Hønefoss. This pilot neighbourhood aims to preserve the Norwegian dream of owning a house in the countryside, yet maintain the necessary density and societal qualities that are required of exurban property development. The proposal is to not only keep the farmlands, but also reinterpret it as an integral part of the neighbourhood. The trajectory for Hønefoss is still uncertain, as our research shows multiple aspects that will inevitably change the status quo for how to live and what to do in Hønefoss.

Jury point of view — The proposal has a clear and strong concept and is an interesting answer to the main question in the competition —to develop a new pilot neighbourhood on urban farming and social forms of living. The concept is exploring new ways of integrated living and shared space for agriculture. The housing units are placed along the perimeter of the site, and the detached houses create a shielded common productive area in the middle of the site for growing. The proposal also aims to keep a “green corridor”. By placing the buildings on the outer edge and in the steeper angle of the terrain, the best land is saved for agriculture. The structure also improves the climatic conditions for farming, and underline that the main purpose of living in Hjertelia community is the common farming.

GIONA CARLOTTO (IT) GABRIELE CATANZANO (IT) ARCHITECTS GIACOMO PREMOLI (IT) LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT BLENDI VISHKURTI (IT) ARCHITECT ARZIGNANO, VICENZA (IT) +39 3930983534 GIONA.CARLOTTO@GMAIL.COM

Back to Nature

Team point of view — Back to Nature is a project that proposes to develop a sustainable way of living together. It is a 16,000 sqm mixed-use housing neighbourhood gently set in the landscape of Hjertelia. The project has the aim of reading the landscape where it stands, finding and designing its characteristics and peculiarity. It is a simple shape that reminds on ancient traditional settlement all around the world, a circle that surround a hortus where to live and work together, a circle that follow the inclination of the ground becoming a form designed with nature. The height of the building, as well as the wood structural facade, is simply obtained in analogy with the tall trees that surround the area, as birch and pines so that it will not emerge from vegetation, but instead will be an essential part of it.

Hjertelia (NO) — Special mention

AUTHOR(S)

BENEDIKT HARTL (DE) ARCHITECT CONTRIBUTOR(S)

THOMAS HASENEDER (DE) URBANIST CONTACT

OPPOSITE OFFICE, MUNICH (DE) +49 17656592902 INFO@OPPOSITEOFFICE.COM WWW.OPPOSITEOFFICE.COM

født i skogen

Team point of view — I am born in a forest! As a rule, forests are cut down when new areas are designated for housing, which leads to urban sprawl and environmental degradation: the habitat of animals is restricted, biotopes are destroyed and forests, that are important for the climate, are lost. Typically, building means: man against animal! We want to change that and propose a rethink of the relationship between humans and animals. Our project concerns solidarity with animals in human spaces and proposes a new way of cohabitation: animals and plants get the ground floor space and humans move up one level. So we designed a new typology which combine the dream of living in the nature with sustainability. Come on and let’s go into the forest and collect mushrooms!

ÁLVARO LÓPEZ LORENTE-SOROLLA (ES) FRANCISCO BALADO FERNÁNDEZ (ES) BEATRIZ ALONSO ROMERO (ES) ARCHITECTS CALLE PECHUÁN 14, ESCALERA DERECHA 2ºA, 28002 MADRID (ES) +33 628582403 MIDDLEARTHE16@GMAIL.COM

Middle Earth

Team point of view — The project is located on a scale between urban and rural housing. This is reflected in the occupation of the land, the density of the buildings and their typologies. It will serve as a filter between urban and rural life. Therefore, the proposal has an infrastructure system divided into 3 networks: road, path and trail. The objective of this system is to guarantee pedestrian and bicycle use, causing a decrease in car use. The fundamental operation is organized from a cluster made up of the block with the dwellings and the auxiliary buildings. Each block can have up to three auxiliary buildings, which serve the productive fields and public spaces around the cluster.

Hjertelia (NO) — Special mention

AUTHOR(S)

MARZIAH ZAD (US), MATEUS SARTORI (IT) ARCHITECTS HONORATA GRZESIKOWSKA (PL) URBANIST CONTACT

MARZIAH ZAD, BARCELONA (ES) ZAD@ASHRAFIZAD.COM MARZIAH@OUTLOOK.COM WWW.ASHRAFIZAD.COM

Self Nurturing City

Team point of view — We believe that nurturing development rooted in principles of care for the environment and each other, sharing of available resources and amenities, and self-sustaining life through closed consumption loops will prove central in the years ahead. The Self-Nurturing City proposal will rely on renewable energy, and renewable and recycled construction materials with a low energy footprint. The design offers closed consumption loops to promote resilient, local production and a circular economy that is considerate of the impact of industrial grade agriculture and non-native crop production. In designing for a time of uncertainty, we also find the fundamental laws of a liveable future: Care, Share, and Self Sustain.

SCALE — L URBAN + ARCHITECTURAL LOCATION — SOUTH OF KARLSKOGA POPULATION — 27,500 INHAB. STRATEGIC SITE — 86 HA / PROJECT SITE — 49 HA SITE PROPOSED BY — MUNICIPALITY OF KARLSKOGA ACTOR(S) INVOLVED — MUNICIPALITY OF KARLSKOGA OWNER(S) OF THE SITE — MUNICIPALITY OF KARLSKOGA

BOSSE BJÖRK — Head of Strategic Urban Planning

1/ What are the main questions asked to the competitors for the transformation of the site? To develop proposals for a new station area for future generations that people will be proud of. The area should be built with regards to all aspects of sustainability — economic, social, technical, and environmental. The area should be built dense enough to host different functions and activities such as apartment buildings, offices, workplaces, schools, stores, service, and parks. This mix will lead to more interaction between people and businesses development. The new area should be connected to the existing city and be accessible and safe for all.

2/ How is the site linked to the two subtopics of “metabolism” and “inclusivity”? Karlskoga is a small town with large natural green areas, rivers, and lakes. The town has historically been planned according to the concept “city in park” and the development of the competition site will follow the same mentality to let the natural structures be interwoven with the new built structures. In the future the area will be an inclusive hub for public transport that will connect people and be welcoming for all. The inclusive aspect will be relevant during the entire development process, even before the new railroad and station is implemented.

3/ Have you already defined a specific process for the territorial and/or urban and/or architectural development of the site after the Europan competition? Do you expect a proposal of process from the competitors linked to what they proposed in their prize-winning projects? The next step is to develop a strategic program for the development of the future station area and its surroundings. The winning proposal, possibly in combination with the runner-up, is proposed to make up a visionary and strategic part of this program as a tool to visualize the future development. The structure and scope for this will be discussed in dialogue with the winning teams.

CHRISTIAAN SMITS (NL) CORNÉ STROOTMAN (NL) LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS CHRISTIAAN.F.B.SMITS@GMAIL.COM CORNESTROOTMAN@GMAIL.COM WWW.CORNESTROOTMAN.COM

Embrace Karlskoga

Team point of view — On the edge of lake Möckeln, between forests and meadows, a sustainable and inclusive district is taking shape that embraces the qualities of Karlskoga. Sustainable: the district embraces all landscape characteristics and existing buildings on the site, giving new functions to the big box stores and increasing the biodiversity of the streams, forests, and meadows. Inclusive: the district introduces a variety of urban typologies that enable different ways of life. Each typology embraces the natural values found around the site, outdoor activities, farming, and biodiversity become the foundation for a shared way of living. The district provides amenities, jobs, and houses, and because of the new Nobel railway to Oslo and Stockholm, it entices urban dwellers that are looking to get away from the bustle of the city, into the quiet forests on the edge of a beautiful lake.

Jury point of view — The proposal consistently focuses on utilizing the resources available in the city and on the site in full accordance with the theme Living Cities with the two main aspects Metabolism and Inclusivity. The jury appreciates the proposal’s basic starting point beginning from the qualities of the landscape, which is a way of finding unique site-specific solutions. The proposal carefully analyses the landscape from the regional level down to the natural conditions with forest land, arable land, beach, lake and ravines. It describes a suitable scale for the settlement for a smaller city that will grow and connects the future train station with the rest of the city.

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN VILMAR VUORISTO RUMARVÄGEN 273, 21710 KORPO (FI) +358 40 9136244 VILMAR@ADVV.FI / WWW.ADVV.FI

At the Edge of Town

Team point of view — At the Edge of Town proposes to create a new welcoming and diverse district in connection to the coming new infrastructure. A vibrant square at the core connects the new transportation hub at the district centre to a wide variety of functions and values, new and existing. While analysing where to create porous connections to unite and where to use barriers to intensify desirable values already within or mitigate the effects of less desirable features. The proposal sets the groundwork for a new inclusive part of town that is not only adaptable to trends, but encouraging residents to come together and create new ones.

Jury point of view — The proposal develops a dense new district based on the new station. It clearly describes the potential that exists in the new station location on the slope down to Möckeln and how, as a train passenger, you meet the city from the east across the lake with a park by the water. The city structure is consistently built up of semi-open blocks that are laid next to each other. It creates a clarity with access from the street and protected yards in a classic way. In these blocks, house bodies with different heights are then placed, which makes the plan flexible and possible to adapt to the wishes of the municipality.

IAGO NÓVOA PÉREZ (ES), ARCHITECT, DESIGNER ANDRÉS NÓVOA PÉREZ (ES), ARCHITECT ZARAIDA MARTÍNEZ SANMARTÍN (ES), ARCHITECT, BIM MANAGER GABRIEL ALARCÓN SABARÍS (ES), LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT LENDO + 988DESIGN, PORTONOVO (ES) GABRIEL.SABARIS@GMAIL.COM WWW.LENDOARQUITECTURA.COM / WWW.988.GAL

K_BTW

Team point of view — Natural elements make up and lead the field of study and action, highlighting the presence of the lake and the tree masses, as main interconnected and essential assets. The railway connection project opens up an opportunity to revitalise the area. A continuous and fluid spatiality is projected, as an exaltation of an aesthetic landscape experience originated during that pedestrian route, also adapted to any type of user where the wooden pillars will “merge” with the trunks. Intermodality, mixture of uses and the formalisation of an aerial “promenade architecturale” are decisions that seek to generate different attractive opportunity spaces and establishing a friendly and gradual connection with the existing elements. The released soil will be a productive and playful space for recreation.

SCALE — L URBAN + ARCHITECTURAL LOCATION — NIORT, DEUX-SÈVRES (79) POPULATION — 59,000 INHAB. STRATEGIC SITE — 39 SQKM / PROJECT SITE — 100 TO 500 HA SITE PROPOSED BY — NIORT AGGLOMERATION, CITY OF NIORT ACTOR(S) INVOLVED — MARAIS POITEVIN REGIONAL NATURE PARK OWNER(S) OF THE SITE — PRIVATE / PUBLIC

1- Avenue de Nantes

2- Route de Paris

3- Route de Niort / Route d’Aiffres

MARC CAULAT — Director, Territorial Development Delegation, Niort Agglo

1/ What are the main questions asked to the competitors for the transformation of the site? The urban functions (road infrastructures, economic areas and housing) inherent in the territorial dynamics have “colonised” the transitional spaces between centralities and rural areas as well as between centralities within the heart of the Agglomeration. This urbanisation, developed without any real guide plan, has trivialised or even disqualified these links without taking into consideration the challenges of biodiversity and the quality of the living environment. The main question is to explore a large landscape project organising the transition between the urban and the rural, between the dense city and the open spaces and addressing the issues of ecology, landscape, mobility, access to services and habitability.

2/ How is the site linked to the two subtopics of “metabolism” and “inclusivity”? The link of the site with the sub-topics metabolism and inclusive vitality is reflected in the territorial ambition to rethink and strengthen urban functions, for the benefit of living together, in an approach guided by sobriety, intensity, sustainability and reversibility of land use.

3/ Have you already defined a specific process for the territorial and/or urban and/or architectural development of the site after the Europan competition? Do you expect a proposal of process from the competitors linked to what they proposed in their prize-winning projects? Expectations focus on support for thinking and designing the urbanism of the future and repairing the existing, both in its purpose and in its design. The new, plural and contrasting looks at these transitional spaces will encourage the expression and formalisation of future development principles which will be reflected in the plans (PLUiD…) and on a few demonstrator or prototype sites (urban sequences or sections).

LÉONARD CATTONI (FR), LANDSCAPER, URBANIST EMMANUELLE BLONDEAU (FR), ARCHITECT, URBANIST CHARLINE ROLLET (FR), ARCHITECT, DESIGN SPACE MANON BONICEL (FR), ARCHITECT RÉSEAU(X) PAYSAGE & URBANISME 53 RUE MARCEAU, 93100 MONTREUIL (FR) +33 623887326 / CATTONI@AGENCERESEAUX.FR WWW.AGENCERESEAUX.FR

Niort, Port Terrestre

Team point of view — Bordering a fluctuating marshland, Niort is a land port overlooking the wetlands and leaning back against its agricultural hinterland. It’s a harbour whose lighthouses would be its water towers, embodying a city shaped by the water. At the heart of an intricate geographical and landscape systems, we’re developing a transverse approach of habitability and natural habitats. We are aiming towards a new policy framework: the PLNUi (intercommunal Natural Development and Urbanization Plan), in which Nature is raised at the same level as the need for urban development. Niort is emphasizing its position as a living city where nature and infrastructure, instead of being an opposition, will not just be a forced marriage but a new ecosystem offering desirable and unique interfaces.

Jury point of view — The team asks fundamental questions with the long-term simulation of rising sea levels and the emergence of a “hinter-coastline”. Conceptually and in its graphic expression, this is a very strong proposal: the team constructs a narrative around the adaptation of the territory to the climate emergency. In addition to this appeal, the project provides very clever responses at all scales, and its sampling choices have a certain force. The project situations identified seem relevant, with architectural and landscape proposals closely embedded in their context. The jury appreciated the distinctiveness of the proposal and its proposal to give nature a status in urban planning documents (PLNUi).

TOUMI OMRANE (FR), MÉLISSANDRE PHAN (FR) LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS FRANÇOIS PERRAUD (FR), ARCHITECT ATELIER -KOSMES, SAINT-MAUR-DES-FOSSÉS (FR) +33 988034114 CONTACT@ATELIERKOSMES.COM WWW.ATELIERKOSMES.COM

Mutual Valleys

Team point of view — If Niort was initially established by taking advantage of the geographical opportunities and resources of the Poitevin territory, it has gradually turned away from it under the influence of its economic development. Its urban morphology is becoming homogenised and is developing in a systemic way along radial service roads. It disregards the permeabilities necessary for the territory to cope with future climate hazards. Mutual Valleys proposes to make the Niortaise valleys the framework of a spontaneous resilience, supporting the regeneration of the ecological, hydrological, pedological and urban functions of the territory. The project proposes to reconsider the valleys of the Niortaise agglomeration as alternative structuring axes of development for a living city.

Jury point of view — The team highlights the pre-eminence of hydrography and geology in the territorial project. The jury was very receptive to the team’s arguments about the effects of climate change and the need to adapt to it. The project provides a clear and relevant response at geographical and territorial scale, putting forward strong proposals reflecting the nature of the landscape and ecological structure of the valleys. The demonstration is convincing and the idea of “pooling” these spaces possesses potential for territorial innovation that is in sync with the priorities of ecological adaptation.

BAPTISTE WULLSCHLEGER (FR) ARCHITECT LALY PAGLIERO (FR) LANDSCAPER LIEU DIT LE BOURG 61400 COMBLOT (FR) +33 684995392 CONTACT@LOA.ARCHI

Des jumelles, du fil et un panier:

danser au bord de Niort

Team point of view — Niort’s specificity is reflected in its geography. Its edges are an access to an open horizon, a cultivated soil, a relationship with the wild, which constitute the framework of this project. To claim its belonging to the marsh, Niort must look outside and place its development in a natural region rather than set up as an infinite urban region. This work develops living alternatives for the 4 sites. It is based on three ideas: Revealing their geography, repairing their scars and arranging, enriching their web of lives. Our method develops a vocabulary inspired from philosophy and political ecologies. As space designers, we try to play the role of facilitator, to blend these researches into the fabric of space. 4 words, 4 temporalities, to track, to weave, to collect and to dance constitute media for studies, surveys and supports, to seize the millennium path to overthrow the city from its edges.

Jury point of view — The project is very clearly expressed and argued in its treatment of margins and boundaries. The jury noted the references to theoretical sources in this proposal, which is marked by a certain poetic character and well aligned with the theme of Living Cities. The spatial proposals seem accurate and meticulous, based on four exemplary project situations which the team illustrates with a process and phasing proposal. The jury appreciated the positive discourse around the presence of the human dimension, conveying a “more joyful approach” to the adaptation of the territory and abandoned urban spaces on the edges of the city.