paul clemence captures eco-district in paris ahead of 2024 olympics

a tour of Clichy Batignolles ECO-DISTRICT by paul clemence

Just in time for the Paris Olympics, photographer Paul Clemence releases a visual series on the new Clichy Batignolles ECO-DISTRICT in the 17th arrondissement of the French capital. ‘It was a happy surprise to discover it while in the area photographing the Renzo Piano Building Workshop’s Tribunal de Paris,‘ he shares with us. Besides Renzo Piano, the 54-hectare development features cutting-edge sustainable architecture by the likes of MAD Architects, Wilkinson Eyre, and périphériques architectes, among others. Through his lens, a stark contrast with the traditional image of the city unfolds, revealing a multifaceted pool of architectural designs.

all images © Paul Clemence

hosting a 54-hectar green development in paris

The Clichy-Batignolles ECO-DISTRICT in Paris, captured by Paul Clemence (see more here), repurposes land traditionally used for logistics and transport infrastructure, such as the Saint-Lazare rail tracks and the ring road. The goal was to create a dense urban area that bridges previously separated neighborhoods, facilitating large-scale housing development with a focus on diversity. Architect François Grether, landscape designer Jacqueline Osty, and the OGI engineering firm led the urban planning, transforming the area into a connective hub centered around a 10-hectare park, one of the largest in Paris. This accessible park anchors the district, which includes a 160-meter-high courthouse designed by Renzo Piano (see more here) alongside real estate developments for residential and commercial purposes.

‘The sprawling 10-hectare Martin Luther King Park, designed by landscape architect Jacqueline Osty, literally ‘grounds’ the district with its thoughtful design and the variety of atmospheres it creates. It was a very stimulating place to photograph, with all the different architectural approaches. And even though there are many different architects involved, there is a very good dialogue between the buildings, very balanced,’ notes the photographer.

Viguier Architects

a multifaceted architecture for social and bio-diversity

Hosting 7,500 residents and 12,700 jobs, Clichy Batignolles houses state-of-the-art public transport links, including two metro lines (with an extension of the M14 as part of the Grand Paris Express), two commuter lines, and a tramway. Initiated in 2002 by the City of Paris and managed by Paris Batignolles Aménagement, the project saw its first phase completed in 2007, with the first residents moving in by 2012. Nearly all building rights have been sold, and the remaining construction has been completed in 2020. Ultimately, the City of Paris hoped to emblematize the ECO-DISTRICT as a model for sustainable urban development by introducing mixed functions and social diversity, energy efficiency, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity.

Origami XXL by Fresh Architectures and ITAR architectures

Other architects involved in the ECO-DISTRICT project in Paris include: Anne Démians, Gaëtan Le Penhuel & Associés, Saison Menu, Sud Architectes, périphériques architectes (Marin and Trottin and Jumeau), Fresh Architectures and ITAR architectures, Atelier Philéas, SAM Architecture and querkraft, TVK + Tolila Gilliland, Viguier Architects, Biecher Architectes, Avenier Cornejo and Gausa Raveau Actarquitectura, and Marc Mimram Architecture & Associés.

Philéas K Architecte