with Philippe Chiambaretta and Etienne Riot

La Défense gets a makeover

episode 2

The Link is speeding the regeneration  of La Défense.

Back to the beginning of La Défense to understand of this type of urban planning.

La Défense is a product of 1960s functional urban planning, with a slab architecture  that creates a clear separation between the mono-functional business district and the surrounding urban environment.

Today, the ring road creates a border between La Défense and Puteaux. It’s an unwelcoming environment.

With The Link, we’re redefining the ring road to transform it from a virtually unbridgeable expressway into an urban boulevard.

This will make it easier for pedestrians, cyclists and everyone looking for decarbonized mobility to come into La Défense.

A new 30-meter stairway will link the top  of the slab to the ring road below.

With The Link,  we’re re-creating the city on the city.

A new perspective  as seen from the Champs-Élysées.  The Link will offer a  new symbolic entrance to La Défense and rebalance the district’s skyline.