Our firm has been part of the Île Seguin renewal from the beginning, namely with our preliminary garden. We’ve had the privilege of witnessing the unhoped-for evolution of the island’s urban design plan: land slated for development was rezoned to become a park. The reversal is reminiscent of a similarly unforeseen renewal project, our Parc aux Angéliques in Bordeaux. On Île Seguin, as before, the critical importance of preserving large and cohesive open spaces in urban areas prevailed through discussions with elected officials.

The Parc de l’Île Seguin joins a larger park system that includes the Bois de Boulogne park and the Parc de Saint-Cloud. This new park is set in a breathtaking location along the rolling banks of the Seine. Facing due south as it slopes down to the river, the park’s simple and cohesive design taps into the magic of this unique locale.

A vast meadow stretches over the steeply sloped expanse, flowing to the water’s edge. Large oak and pine trees are scattered throughout. Meadow visitors can gaze out onto the Seine through the poplar trees that line the river walkway below.

A wooded band is planted between the meadow’s upper pathway and the neighborhood to the north, distinguishing park from buildings. This dense greenery frames glimpses to the scenic backdrop beyond.

Two canyon-like pathways, hidden in profile, are carved into the steeply sloped meadow. Footbridges span these slightly sunken paths, connecting the neighborhood and the riverfront.

Uphill, the canyon-paths open onto a glade-like square at the neighborhood’s edge. The square extends to the main street, expanding the experience of entering the park.

The park also connects the two promenades that run along either side of the new neighborhood to both tips of the island. These public spaces shift towards garden-squares, a new design style reminiscent of American campus centers. These garden-squares seamlessly blend the island’s lively activities (including the Fondation Emerige and the Seine Musicale at either tip) with dense, vibrant greenery. 

The geometric layout of the wide, hardscape, tree-lined promenades is interwoven with more free-form groves of large trees. These promenades are scaled down and recreated throughout the island: the public spaces, the main street, and the paths that crisscross between riverfronts. 

The park, the two promenades, the new neighborhood’s public spaces, and the island’s upstream tip provide the perfect opportunity to create vibrant outdoor spaces in a new design style. The result is an unhoped-for, continuous regreened landscape.