CAP MARTIN

Roquebrune, France

CAP MARTIN

Roquebrune, France

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In Roquebrune Cap Martin, along the French Riviera, the former 943 air base enjoys a geographical location that has remarkable landscape elements. The urban planning project seeks as its goal the creation of an ecological neighborhood along the steep coastal slopes. This presents along with it the opportunity of creating unique urban public spaces, which through their vegetation and spatial configurations can  better anchor the neighborhood within the wider local landscape.

The project is organized around a park with its two forecourts, whose planted forms are part of the large scale extension of woods, stretching in rows from the mountain slopes, that come to insert themselves into the urban fabric. The park functions as a unifying space, ensuring interconnectivity between the several major facilities present on site, such as the scholastic facilities to the east, with the residential buildings. Respectful of the existing topography, the park design adapts to the series of escarpments with intermediate landings throughout, which act both as lookout points and contemplative rest areas.

The park is crisscrossed by light traffic pathways for bicycles and pedestrians. Due to the significant change in elevation, the design of these pathways was inspired by the forms and functioning of the  restanques, the terraces characteristic of the region. Located at the foot of the slopes, they run alongside the retaining walls containing the land. Conceived to combat landslides and runoff erosion, this system efficiently manages rainwater drainage with its series of 'dry riverbeds'.

To the north and south of the site, the two forecourts open up the park onto the already existing public spaces of the Rue de la Paix and Avenue de Monléon. Their mineral appearance imbues them with the quality of an urban square. Tall trees provide shade to these intermediary spaces, establishing as well physical continuity with the park.

data
Year:
2018
Status:
Competition
Program:
Urban strategies, Parks, Public spaces
Client:

French Riviera Communauty

Project Team:

MDP Michel Desvigne Paysagiste
Seura, architect (lead consultant)