REINVENTER PARIS | Philippon-Kalt Architectes Urbanistes

The plan is for a peaceful and attractive public space in this roadside setting. The project makes a feature of traffic-free paths while incorporating boules players, icons of the district. A lively square acts as an extension of the ground floor activities. The façade overlooking Rue de la Poterne des Peupliers emphasises the continuity between Paris and Gentilly.

Integration of landscape and Land Art

The plan is part of the “green belt”, and connects with the nearby garden areas: Parc Kellermann and Gentilly Cemetery. Ecological continuity with existing green spaces is assured, encouraging the development of richer and more varied biodiversity in this urban setting.

To the south, the plant-covered facades create an unusual landscape sequence right along the ring road.

The vegetation on the roof terraces, located at third floor level to comply with the height limits, are mostly visible from the ring road and the external boulevard.

A natural shield to block noise from the ring road

One of the project’s special features is a double-layer façade on the ring road side which helps moderate the continuous noise from traffic just 50m away. The first plant wall layer is absorbent, reducing the noise that reaches over 20 dBA.

This double façade has plant-covered sections and large windows to let in light and allow the views to be seen. The planted sections are made of CANEVAFLOR® modules, which have a high absorbing power as described in a technical recommendation by the CSTB (French building scientific and technical centre) (absorption coefficient aw>0.95), ensuring acoustic energy is not reflected towards the nearby buildings. The windows are treated with a Sonogamma Filva-T® transparent film, trapping sounds and vibrations while letting light through.