法国市政厅前广场

法国市政厅前广场

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Landscape architect: In Situ
Partners: E2CA, BET VRD et,
Location: Villeurbanne, France
Area: 10 000 m2

At the heart of the “Gratte-ciel” (skyscraper) neighbourhood, between Villeurbanne’s City Hall and the Theatre National Populaire: a vast clearing. The Lazare Goujon square redevelopment restores the unity of a generous pedestrian area. On either side, two planted rows set an intermediate scale between the two main buildings, thus creating a more intimate place. At the foot of the City Hall, albizzias and their foliage provide some shade and shelter where gardens of cysts and roses bloom. On the south side, where the imposing Theatre National Populaire stands, a more aerial mesh allows occasional events (flea markets, summer festivals, podium).
Parallel lines drawn on the ground recall the relationship between the square and surrounding streets, and the existing gates are extended to form two vines that furnish this large urban piece.
In the center, two square basins, the water of which is level with the skyscrapers’ stone base, mirror the towering buildings. At the bottom of these ponds, which are coated in polished blue, the artist Philippe Favier drew a heavenly constellation of painted glass scattered throughout the basins. As a finishing touch for this light limestone glade, a few randomly placed fountains subtly emphasise the sense of verticality.