International ideas competition – 1st prize, theme science and research location
soutěž 1. místo, 2007As part of a government-initiated “opération d'intérêt national” (project of national interest), a promising and sustainable development concept was to be drafted for the area south-west of Paris. The scenic area is characterised by a concentration of high-tech companies and some of the country's most renowned research institutes and engineering schools. In order to counteract the progressive urban sprawl of the landscape, a concentration of economic and scientific activities is proposed. Structurally, the ‘knowledge city’ is to be linked to the surrounding landscape by a series of diversely designed and versatile open spaces. A fine-meshed network of public spaces and uses will promote an intensive link between living, studying, researching and working.
Knowledge landscape
The territory is seen as a laboratory for the testing of sustainable development strategies. The aim is to counteract uncontrolled urban sprawl and promote sustainable development. It is particularly important to preserve the agricultural land on the Saclay plateau, one of the largest contiguous agricultural areas near Paris. This region, which was cultivated in the 17th century to provide water for Versailles, has historic moats, an aqueduct and farms that are to be protected and made accessible for local recreation.
Development as a recreational area
The Plateau de Saclay was first reclaimed in the 17th century by Louis XIV's engineers, who collected and channelled water for the Versailles fountains via a complex system of pipes. A complex network of drainage ditches, an aqueduct, artificial ponds and a number of stately farmhouses, some of which are now derelict, have been preserved from this period. It is important to protect this heritage, but also to open it up to the city's recreational population as part of a careful development programme. An attractive network of footpaths and cycle paths is to be created along the restored or rehabilitated drainage ditches. Agricultural businesses are to be encouraged to open their farms to the public. Public uses are favoured for the abandoned farmsteads.
The ponds of Saclay
The area around the ponds of Saclay, the former centrepiece of Louis XIV's hydraulic engineering works, is of particular importance. Due to its central and scenic location, this area is particularly suitable as the focal point of the entire surrounding park landscape. The western pond is already a nature reserve and has been designated a bird sanctuary. The CEPr (Experimental Centre for Projectiles) was established on the banks of the eastern ‘Grand Étang’ in the 1950s. The existing plans to gradually dismantle this ageing site and abandon it in the long term are supported by the concept.
City of knowledge
In order to counteract the progressive urban sprawl of the landscape, a concentration of economic and scientific activities on the southern edge of the Saclay plateau is proposed. Over the last few decades, this area has been home to various, mostly high-calibre settlements (e.g. the renowned Ecole Polytechnique or, more recently, the Synchrotron Soleil), but without any supply infrastructure and with only sparse public transport connections.
