Architect

In Situ Architectes Paysagistes Atelier Descombes Rampini and Superpositions

Type of Area

Medium-sized river with artificial banks
Ornamental water feature or fountain

Land/water interaction

Embankment
Promenade
Terraces/steps

Built Environment Types

Highly built
Low green

Scale of Impact

Block
District/neighbourhood
City

Intervention Scale (Spatial)

Linear development – multiple interventions

Project Types

Riverfront development
Outdoor recreation
Urban design

Urban/ Rural

Inner urban area

Visibility and Openness

Fully enclosed
Fully contained view

Renaturalising the River

Historically, the Rhone riverbank in Lyon, France was a large linear harbour as in most cities with an industrial past. The so-called ‘Berges de Rhône’ development is a project undertaken by the city of Lyon, following an architecture competition, which was won by a team of landscape architects from IN SITU Architectes Paysagistes, architect Françoise-Hélène Jourda, and lighting designers from Coup D’éclat. The construction of the winning design was completed in 2007. The result is a transformation from a riverside car park to a multi-functional public space which re-connects the city and its inhabitants with the riverbank. This five kilometre long stretch of riverbank facilitates relaxing and socialising and furthermore encourages local residents and visitors to use public transport or light traffic options. It also facilitates a continuous route along the river for pedestrians and cyclists.

The project was financed through council funding, including the building costs and the provision for spaces for events. It also includes a strategy for maintaining and developing the project in the future. A key component of the design process was applying participatory governance techniques by engaging the local community. A request was made to find out the community’s desires and ideas followed by a process to negotiate and merge the expectations of local people and the council to avoid conflicts. The site is also part of a Trans-European bicycle route from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean coast, upgrading the Lyon section ensures a safe and picturesque experience for cyclists.

The linear route changes in its appearance and thematic content along its course. The width varies between five and 75 metres and this creates a different atmosphere which is described as being more natural in the upstream and downstream areas, and more urban in the centre. A large linear grass area together with an easily accessible linear basin and a terraced open space offers a stage for views over the river and defines the central section. This is accompanied by multiple lines of oak and elm trees on a raised esplanade, while a swimming pool and laid-out sport areas give a functional counterbalance. Refreshments, cycle hiring and fishing facilities are concentrated in certain points, while in other parts ‘islands of grasses’ provide more enclosed spaces for local residents. The intervention also links to the two largest parks and now provides a botanical walk, showcasing local types of vegetation.

The project does not reverse the historical development of the Rhone riverbank but adds a new component of a blue-green public space to the urban setting. It replaces the mono-functional spatial character and non-permeable materials and allows people to reconnect with the water in a quality riverside setting.