Containing urban sprawl by developing high-density areas in three precise zones

The region of Annecy combines four highly distinct areas: the lakefront, the residential hills, the commercial zones, and the plain. Open urban development is one of the city’s greatest assets: it links Annecy to the surrounding natural environment and maintains views stretching into the distance. Preserving both the scattered nature of the built environment and the deep relationship between city and countryside is essential. The challenge is determining where and how to absorb population growth, without upsetting existing balances. Our project is rooted in the building blocks of the region, including natural and landscaped features, open urban development, topography, road networks, and transitional spaces. By expanding, preserving, improving, or simply highlighting these elements, our project revitalizes Annecy beyond a picture postcard and toward a city in tune with the dynamics that shape it. Historically, the city edges have supported the development of commercial infrastructure. Today, these edges are simultaneously widened to further integrate infrastructure, commercial areas, and industrial zones. This approach does not seek to create an intensely developed city everywhere; rather, we propose developing precise high-density zones, while maintaining quiet areas elsewhere. Designing continuous landscapes to connect commercial, residential, and natural areas also provides the opportunity to create resilient public spaces adapted to climate and energy needs.