Big changes coming to central Paris: ‘Reinventing the Seine’ projects approved

In May, the ‘Reinventing the Seine’ grand jury decided which of the finalists would be given the green light to embark on the transformation of Paris’ central river. Here is a look at the most interesting or significant ones. 

There’s no city made for walking quite like Paris, and there’s no river made for walking quite like the Seine. Those parts that haven’t yet caught up to the massive footfall the river currently enjoys will be renovated and transformed over the coming years, as the winners of the ‘Reinventing the Seine’ project will now begin planning processes.

Parking lot at the Pont de Grenelle

© Paris.fr

This project is being delivered by developers Sogaris and designed by Phillipe Roux Architects, SYVIL, Hardel-Le Bihan Architects and Noir Vif. It will give a new lease of life to the parking lot by the Pont de Grenelle in the 16th arrondissement. Sogaris’s development will provide new public spaces and a private higher education centre, using low-carbon construction techniques and the most cutting-edge architectural use of space.

L’Atelier de l’Arsenal 

© Paris.fr / Laisné & Roussel / SO-IL / Atelier Georges

Anyone who has strolled along the stretch of the Right Bank by Quai de la Rapee metro (12th arrondissement) will attest to the missed opportunity it offers. The above visualization shows REI Developpement Immobilier’s winning proposal for the renovation of the stretch of the bank, designed by Laisne Roussel, SO-IL and Atelier George.

The proposal outlines a new ‘space for all, thought up by all’. It will create a mix of residential, cultural and work spaces, with co-living and co-working spaces all part of the ensemble. A dismantlable pavilion will provide opportunities for temporary exhibitions or shows, too, making the space adaptable for all seasons and uses.

L’Arche

© Paris.fr / Why Not Productions

This project was an entry from a firm with a fitting name: Why Not Productions. Seine Design designed this aquatic structure, while Zoom landscapers made it possible. It will sit at the Port Javel-Bas in the 15th arrondissement. An olympic size swimming pool will initially grace the bank, while in future the plan is to have it extend out into the Seine by making the water there swimmable.

Moulin Seine

© Paris.fr / Citysurfing

Citysurfing, an expert in floating installations, won the prize for the Pont des Invalides with their Mouline de Seine project. This will be the first floating boulangerie-patisserie for the city and is sure to be a hit with tourists and locals alike. It will also double up as a cruise ship, taking visitors on tours of the city while keeping them well-fed.

Other winning proposals include: LUD/EAU, a floating bar, title pictured; an electric cabaret venue at the pont Alexandre-III in the 8th arrondissement; and an oriental-themed multi-use space in the suburban bridge of Alfortville. See all the winning projects here.

image © Paris.fr / Quartus