Established in the 18th century on the site of the moats of the ancient ramparts, the promenades of Reims connect the historic city center to the suburbs. Developed through successive additions along an axis established over time, punctuated by objects (statues, steles, monuments…), they have been disrupted by infrastructure such as railways, boulevards, and highway ramps, but have remained unified by a dense tree heritage composed of chestnut trees, maple trees, and plane trees. This interface between the city center and the railway districts has deteriorated over time, dominated by cars. The city wished to transform it into a “Central Park à la rémoise”.
The project removes invasive parking from the promenades and restructures by thinning on one side, while complementing the tree heritage on the other to accommodate new playful and friendly practices under its foliage: lawns transformed into water mirrors, monuments highlighted and integrated into the design of spaces; regenerated and diversified alignments, following the principle of an urban forest that offers atmospheres reminiscent of forest woodlands. Edges, clearings, undergrowth multiply atmospheres and contrasts of shadow and light. A new low layer with clear flowering and foliage reinforces the undergrowth atmosphere. Furniture promotes a multitude of uses, including benches, platforms, tables, and hammocks. The promenades are rehabilitated as spaces for socialization and collective well-being.
Data
Landscape Architecture: Osty et associés
Other design offices involved in the design of the landscape: Les Éclaireurs, lighting designers // TPFI, engineering consultants // OGI, fountain engineering consultants
Architecture office involved: Encore Heureux, architects
Photo credits : Martin Argyroglo
