Building on the historical layouts of the Place de la Concorde, our project aimed to emphasize the original geometry of the square. The ancient pathways are restored and highlighted by the outlines of the new gardens. This revitalization of the space provides pedestrians with new opportunities for daily usage, particularly in the eastern section, which is entirely vehicle-free. This area can also accommodate large events without disrupting vehicle traffic; the uniformity of the core allows for easy transformation to support public meetings and gatherings. The new gardens are designed to enhance and diversify the surrounding biodiversity while also collecting rainwater. This rainwater is infiltrated through the grassy joints in the centre of the square and directed toward the planted edges. In the position of the former ditches, the layers of vegetation provide shade and cool air, all while preserving the views of the monuments at the Place de la Concorde. In the centre of the square, the obelisk and the historic fountains are easily accessible for people to observe, walk around or sit nearby. The gardens, which can be accessed from ground level on all sides of the square, provide a shaded walkway lined with urban furniture for the comfort of passersby. These gardens create a smooth connection with the surrounding green spaces: the Tuileries Garden to the east and Cour la Reine at the southwest corner. They also encourage visitors to get closer to the Seine, enhanced by the water mist and jets, which evoke the historical intertwining of the Place de la Concorde with the symbolism of water.
Program
Redevelopment of Place de la Concorde
Location
Place de la Concorde, Paris 8th
Team
h2o architectes (urbanistes) avec Eugène architectes du patrimoine mandataires, Michel Desvigne Paysagistes, Arcadis (VRD), Sol Paysage (ingénierie espaces verts), Cronos City Lab (prévention, sûreté et sécurité), Atelier Franck Boutté (ingénierie environnementale et HQE), Urban-Eco (spécialiste de l’écologie urbaine et de l’aménagement durable), Agence ON (concepteur lumière), Wanja Ledowski – Studio (signalétique), Res Publica (préfiguration), Miguel Mazeri (anthropologue)
Perspective
Ailleurs Studio
Specificity
Site classified as a Historic Monument, sustainability and traffic issues