Metz
Place de la République
Public space should be appropriable by those who use it and should prove to be meaningful.
The regeneration of Place de la République in Metz demonstrates these objectives.
A place that can be appropriated with several uses and experiences. The redistribution of roads, the need to link courts and creation of a promenade contributed to the development of a new landmark.
The new development composition integrates the intercity bus service with the site while maximising the space available for pedestrians.
Courts facilitate city centre pedestrian access to the square.
Give access to the site, bus services, local resident vehicle and car park access and to the square.
Stone is used extensively. The primary characteristics are its robustness and durability – it gives the spaces within the square their experiential quality.
Place de la République public lighting is designed on two major principles:
Visual comfort for people; and
development of a qualitative aesthetic night time identity based on curves and softness.
Existing trees structure the courts and peripheral spaces.
Status
2006 competition winner - November 2010 completion
Location
Metz (57)
Client
Ville de Metz
Programme
Place de la République regeneration/underground car park access
Area
40.000 m²
Cost
22 M€
Architect
Richez_Associés
Consulting engineers
Egis Aménagement
Landscape Architect
Atelier Villes et Paysages
Lighting designer
Observatoire 1
Fountain designer
JML Consultants
Sustainable development
Plantations with biotope characteristics + rainwater management and harvesting strategy
Awards
Prix Lumière 2011
Photographer
Vincent Vidal + Christophe Bourgeois
