Réhabilitation du quartier des Molières

previous state

In 1970, the northern part of Miramas was considerably transformed by the construction of a major housing development of 2,500 flats called Les Molières, a typical example of the housing adopted in the expanding city outskirts since the sixties. Building work was interrupted in 1979 and the projects planned for open spaces and links with the city centre were never realised.

aim of the intervention

The programme for refurbishing Les Molières was based on improving the quality of life of its inhabitants by providing basic amenities which would make it a true residential district, and on making intervention in public spaces a priority. The necessary links between the district and the centre of Miramas and the surrounding area would also be established.

description

In order to create new public spaces, a clear layout was adopted based on streets and squares neither of which were given preference. The intervention began with the alteration of the layout of the three main roads, with the aim of following the layout of the buildings and their link roads. As in the rest of the district, parking zones were placed on both sides of the road, and the garages, pergolas and trees gave the area its residential character.

This alteration of the roadway has reclaimed extensive pedestrian spaces. In addition to this, the Rue Schweizer has been converted into a pedestrianised walkway, running from the north to the south of the district, like a big esplanade. The intervention has also made the three squares in the housing complex into true city gardens and there are plans to hold weekly markets here.

assessment

Les Molières now has the public spaces so that it can be considered a true suburb, with its streets and squares, meeting places, gardens and walkways. The project was built following consultation with the inhabitants. Its concept as a district and specific uses were taken into account so that the new areas created would be suitable for hosting the widest possible range of activities at any time in the future.

Albert García Espuche, architect