Témoignage
La Berge du Lac in Bordeaux : interview of Olivier Brochet, architect
"Creating a new community is a extraordinary and highly complex challenge"
L'interview
La Berge du Lac is an ambitious urban development project that will create a new community on the banks of a man-made lake to the north of Bordeaux. Strong emphasis has been placed on the environment and on social diversity. The project includes parks, open spaces and canals, as well as social housing.
Why did this project to develop La Berge du Lac in Bordeaux appeal to you?
- « What could be more exciting and more difficult than creating a town, a new neighbourhood? It's a long and painstaking process. You have to understand the existing urban and social fabric and try to imagine how it could develop in the future. The result is a coherent and modern architectural complex that promotes social diversity while respecting the environment. Working with highly motivated, methodical and proactive partners also added to the appeal of the project. »
What were the main issues in this project?
- « This northern part of Bordeaux had a number of large estates built in the 1970s that had been neglected to some extent. Our aim was to take the local population into consideration and to improve their quality of life. As a result, the tramway will run through this community and it will gain a number of local services, including sports centres and municipal facilities schools, creches, etc. The entire area round the lake will benefit from the regeneration of this community! »
What will your role be now?
- "We will be working with Christian Devillers, the second architect on this project. We'll remain involved right up to the end of the works, which start in 2008. We will be supervising the construction of one-third of the 1,500 homes and sending out calls for applications: we want to give young architects a chance to show what they can do. Their presence will add a certain degree of variety to the overall coherence of the project."