Urban-renewal of “La Solidarité” and “Kallisté” 
 Marseille 

Two urban renewal projects (PRU) in the northern districts of Marseille (Notre-Dame Limite/Kallisté/Solidarité), located near metropolitan infrastructure and facilities (A7 motorway, SNCF line, Hôpital Nord, Massif de l'Étoile, shopping centers, port activity area) grouping yet one of the largest pockets of poverty and insecurity in Marseille (753 condominium units, 700 social housing, 2 school groups, local shops). Creation of guide plans for the entire sector (35 ha), assistance with consultation, operational feasibility, detailed plots notices, technical advice, monitoring and project management of public spaces in conjunction with social housing provider, the city, the metropolitan area and public and private operators.

Recreating urbanity, community living, services and mobility in large, highly degraded, enclosed housing estates dating from the 60s and 70s requires humility, encounter and a great deal of local knowledge. Marseilles teaches us how to transform uncontrolled urbanism, channel the energies of the players and seize opportunities to transform them into levers for a mixed city, equipped, accessible to all, and ultimately more liveable (comfortable) in an exceptional landscaped setting.

Through these two PRUs and over a long period (12 years), the project has gradually transformed all 681 social housing units of Solidarité (UNICIL) through their rehabilitation, demolition (153), reconstruction (278), renewal of public spaces (meshing and presidentialisation adapted to architectural forms and uses), and the installation and reinforcement of essential facilities (crèches, social center, shops, school group, park, stadium). A work of perseverance that aims to impose sustainable fundamentals, inscribed in the long term.