ROOTSTOCK - example in the french countryside - SUSTAINABLE REVITALISATION IN A RURBAN CONTEXT
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Program
Architecture and planning beyond sustainability, MSc
Publicerad
2020
Författare
Paire, Raphaëlle
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
Located in the geographical centre of France, in what a
low-density zone known as the ‘Empty Diagonal’, the city of
Guéret suffers from a lack of attractiveness for a few decades.
The social and urban changes unbalance the human-scale
urban fabric making the historical centre empty. A third of
the commercial cells in the city centre are currently vacant, as
well as numerous lots of housing there. A loss of identity and
unwelcoming atmosphere in the public realm represent the
primary issues in this urban context.
Despite its negative aspects, Guéret is seen as a lovely
historical city with narrow streets, pavements and low-rise
buildings made in regional massive stones. The surrounding
landscape is largely covered by biodiverse woodlands. The
local cultural heritage is also significant due to the local crafts
and know-how, the dishes made of agricultural qualitative
products.
The issue raised in this Master’s Thesis project is a question
of the future of a town in a rurban context. Framed within the
context of the city centre, the study focuses on how sustainable
transformation can be a catalyst for the revitalisation of a
city previously abandoned in favour of suburbia and major
shopping malls.
The Master’s Thesis proposes an enhanced public space
design in the city of Guéret, including a new promenade in
the historical city centre and the transformation of a group of
old residential buildings (and their respective outdoor spaces)
into new spatial typologies. The goal of these interventions
is to breathe life into the city, improve the sense of local
identity and restore interest in the city centre. The project
also focuses on social inclusion: how design can improve
interaction between active elders, students and youth in order
to strengthen community ties. This study may be used as both
a reference and a tool for civic associations involved in urban
design.
Based on an holistic view, the town is considered as a living
organism that needs stimulations in specific spaces. The
project is led by the assessment on the national phenomena of
shrinking cities and by a deep analysis of the city of Guéret.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
sustainability / human scale / local resources / transformation