IRIS OLIÉ

I made the project the “communal gardens of «Agora» “ during my second year of the French Higher National School of Landscape Architecture and Design (ENSP). This project was very complicated for me because the north area of Marseille is a ghetto where everything should be improved.

This is, geographically speaking, one of the best places of Marseille because of its beautiful view, her orientation towards the sun and protection from the wind, but completely abandoned by the political powers.

The master plan that I proposed, within the chaotic urbanization, is to open, reconnect and give more space as possible to the people. In this weaving, a little hill with a wonderful view on Marseille (inaccessible) can be used to connect the district.

Close to this hill, there is a association of volunteers for mutual help and activities. This association owns the communal gardens, which was destroyed by the municipality to build a highway. Then the volunteer association wants to have a new place to start their new activities and gardening.

This hill can be opened to be a communal garden and connect the whole area with activities (according to my previous master plan). Following the slope, different walls support the garden plots to maintaine the ground.

A system of canals will deliver water to sprinkler the agriculture from a retention basin-tower. A path brings you to the top of the communal gardens which is managed by the association of volunteers to connect the site with the people who live in this Marseille north area.