In the spotlight: Living Spaces peer-learning visit in Grand Parc Bordeaux

On 3-5 July 2024, the ACE co-organised a visit of Bordeaux Grand Parc, as part of Living Spaces, a peer-learning programme funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union. Designed for local and regional authorities to learn how to plan and implement high-quality architectural policies and projects, Living Spaces is implemented by Eurocities and the ACE. In a first phase of the programme, Living Spaces produced a catalogue of 30 good practices from 17 European countries with information on management, budget and transferable ideas to inspire other cities and regions to implement their own projects.

In a second phase, ACE and Eurocities are organising 12 peer-learning visits for groups of cities / regions representatives and professionals. Located close to the historic centre of Bordeaux, the Grand Parc is a complex of 4,000 housing units labelled “Remarkable contemporary architecture". Reflection on the future of the Grand Parc district began in 2011. This process will result in the rehabilitation of 3,500 housing units and the construction of 1,000 more, as well as the renovation of public facilities (nursery, gymnasiums, community halls) and public spaces. 

During the Living Spaces visit, a group of representatives from local, regional and national public authorities and professionals visited the 3 social housing buildings that were transformed by Lacaton & Vassal architectes; Frédéric Druot Architecture; Christophe Hutin Architecture – a project that won the EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture / EU Mies Awards in 2019. Participants met several elected representatives and experts from the city of Bordeaux, architects and inhabitants. They learnt about and discussed the Label Bâtiment frugal bordelais; innovative ways to co-design with residents; alternative solutions to demolition; rehabilitation of an urban park.