Allées Jean Jaurès
Nîmes, France
MUNICIPALITY OF NIMES
Architect: WILMOTTE & ASSOCIÉS
Associate architect: CARRÉ D'ARCHI
Highways and sustainable development: PROJECTEC ENVIRONNEMENT
Coordinator: COOBAT
Landscaper: NEVEUX-ROUYER
Laying of stone and paving: DE FILIPPI
Cast-in-place concrete: SOL MED
9,6 ha
2013
Urban development of the Jean Jaurès avenue: requalification and transformation into an urban promenade, a real base for community life.
The redevelopment of the Allées Jaurès in Nîmes follows the desire to return the urban space to pedestrians. Inspired in particular by the Ramblas in Barcelona, the emphasis is on greenery, aesthetics and conviviality.
The first part of the avenue, from the fountain gardens to Place Jules Guesde, is dedicated to water (canal, ponds, water mirror) and gardens (lawns, wooden terraces). The second part, between Place Jules Guesde and Place Séverine, is a more mineral sequence due to the underground car park and the markets that are held there. The third part, from Place Séverine to Avenue de la République, is dedicated to local uses, with numerous playgrounds, terraces and petanque courts.
The green spaces, which account for 20% of the avenue, are based around lines of trees that have been preserved and reinforced: 175 trees planted, 800 m² of lawns, 39 species, mainly Mediterranean. 35% of the spaces are designed for pedestrians, to return the space to the people of Nîmes. The central median is laid out as a promenade, with four major squares equipped with pergolas, a food kiosk, children’s play areas and bowling greens, etc.
The project has made it possible to give the avenue a real role as a stage for community life, by encouraging the sharing of spaces, the establishment of activities and the proliferation of temporary events.
