I am not a huge fan of contemporary architecture. To me, it usually seems cold, unwelcoming, and unforgiving of error. Much of Paris’s 12th Arrondissement is extremely modern, with lots of glass, iron, and clean lines; so I was surprised at how much I liked it.
The answer to making a contemporary space welcoming I think is in the planning. Efforts to bring open space and elements of nature into these areas make make them livable and enjoyable. Additionally, spaces that include natural elements are more ecologically sustainable, lower the air temperature and decrease runoff by decreasing the area covered by impermeable surfaces. One of the upsides to contemporary architecture is that many of the materials commonly used are more environmentally friendly than older materials. However, many elements of classic Paris are maintained even in this neighborhood like the enclosure, where the ratio of building height to street width is about even, and the manicured tree lined streets.
This is just a section of sidewalk but it shows the presence of natural elements in the city landscape and includes a cool pink Wallace fountain.
One of the coolest places we went on Thursday, which really encompasses this point, is the Bibliotheque Nationale De France. The national library is huge, and its tall glass buildings seem overbearing and reminded me of something from a dystopian novel. I was completely turned around on my impression of the library when I saw the literal forest of trees in the middle. This was interesting first and foremost because it was a forest in the middle of city building but it was especially notable because, unlike most of Paris, it wasn’t perfectly manicured, it wasn’t like a courtyard, it was part of the building’s design to have this natural, untouched aspect. This detail cuts the intimidation factor in half making seem suddenly like a pleasant environment.
Two of the towers at the Bibliotheque Nationale
This is not necessarily a realistic approach for all of urban design, but it makes a case for inserting natural spaces into otherwise industrial-looking environments and demonstrates the many opportunities contemporary architects have to be creative and utilize new concepts that make new buildings and neighborhoods more enjoyable and sustainable.