BORDEAUX – CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE IN THE CITY CENTER

DESCRIPTION – Bordeaux: Contemporary Architecture in the city center

Bordeaux has completely transformed itself in recent years, relegating its nickname of “Sleeping Beauty” to previous times.

It always has had a dense urban tradition: the facade on the river bank and Place de la Bourse are the symbols of its 18^th century economic success, and while Baron Haussmann left some traces on the urban fabric, the typology of Grand Théâtre inspired some of the greatest operas of the 19^th century. And yet, Bordeaux gradually fell into oblivion, considered an abandoned, dark city and lacking dynamism.

It is only in the last twenty-five years that Bordeaux reinvented itself in depth. Listed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, it has since regained its status as regional capital and has become one of the most attractive cities in France, with an expected population of one million inhabitants in 2030. It has now the face of a neoclassical city with a center studded with contemporary architecture.

The first part of the tour will start with the Garonne River quays and the Water Mirror (Michel Corajoud), which are the true backbone of Bordeaux redevelopment. This will be an opportunity to talk about major trends and strategies implemented since 1995. An urban stroll will stroll through the city center along contemporary projects such as the Square Vinet square (Michel Desvigne + Patrick Blanc), Mama Shelter (Philippe Starck) or the Bordeaux Law Courts (Richard Rogers), while passing along essential historical monuments such as the Rohan Palace or the Grand Théâtre.

The rest of the tour will focus on major current development operations, in particular with Euratlantique project with the possibility of discovering some of its most emblematic buildings, such as the Méca by Danish architectural firm BIG.