Bringing vegetation to the François Mitterrand promenade in Bourg-en-Bresse, this project introduces greenery to the city’s symbolic square. We are proud to present this transformation where creativity and expertise merge to give rise to eight custom-made cool islands in corten steel, combining urban design with greening to reclaim the public space.
Through our collaboration with Balland Paysages, we had the opportunity to rethink public space in an audacious way. These cool islands were designed and created as tangible proof of our commitment to developing quality, vibrant and green urban spaces. By combining corten steel and moabi wood, we created areas of comfort and rest, spaces that invite relaxation, conviviality, and contemplation.
Tailored landscaping and greening for a promenade
Design, fabrication, installation
The greenery, carefully integrated into each island, is at the heart of our approach. It embodies our commitment to a greener and healthier urban environment, bringing vibrant energy to the space. The cool islands extend over lengths ranging from 4 to 14 metres and represent our vision of perfect fusion between nature and the city.
CLIENT
BALLAND PAYSAGES
MATERIALS
SANDBLASTED & ACTIVATED CORTEN STEEL, MOABI WOOD
LOCATION
BOURG-EN-BRESSE
Designing the promenade: a comprehensive dynamic
This project marks the culmination of a broader urban vision that is gradually taking shape, weaving connections between new developments in the city. In this same area, the conservatory was inaugurated in summer 2022. The SIRIUS building, housing companies, and the foodcourt Beau Marché have also opened recently. Each new addition has contributed to creating an ecosystem that revitalises this city centre district.
Formerly called Place de Verdun and now renamed after François Mitterrand, this new space unfolds in front of the conservatory and reveals itself as a space for movement and rejuvenation, embracing greenery. It embodies a fluid connection that links the fairgrounds to the commercial energy and the history rooted in the heart of the city centre.
François Mitterrand Promenade : a landmark space
The François Mitterrand promenade is the largest square in Bourg-en-Bresse city centre and this development is part of the city’s most ambitious rehabilitation projects to improve residents’ well-being. This busy and highly frequented space must offer shaded seating solutions and rest areas tailored to the intense summer heat often experienced in such settings.
Reinvigorating the site with planting
A resolute shift toward greenery and vibrancy has transformed the promenade into a lively urban landscape. These urban gardens now stretch like breezes of greenery at the heart of the city centre. This vitality is enhanced by the varying lengths of the gardens, creating a dynamic flow that resonates with the city’s energy. In harmony with this diversity, the modular seating layout provides areas of rest for all users and creates intimate pockets of calm throughout the public space.
Material choices, expertise, and execution
The materials were meticulously selected to bring this exceptional urban project to life. Corten steel, sandblasted and activated, blends beautifully with moabi wood seating – a resilient species that withstands climatic extremes and insect and fungus attacks. Together, they form a balanced duo with neutral tones that seamlessly integrate into Bourg-en-Bresse’s historic urban fabric.
These installations are not just standard products but the creative result of our C-NATURA range of urban gardens. Each product was redesigned and adapted to meet the unique scale of the requested designs, which were significantly longer than average. This customisation demonstrates our commitment to offering functional and aesthetic solutions harmoniously integrated into their environment.
Our technical knowledge enabled us to adapt our products to the specific dimensions of the site. Thanks to our mastery of corten activation and stabilisation processes, we delivered the islands in corten, sandblasted and activated with the most uniform finish possible across the different elements of the installation.
Interested in this project?
Atech is the French expert in greening-focused urban furniture. We respond to your public space development needs. Our comprehensive product offering and design office support you throughout your project.
Choose solutions tailored to your space with advice from our experts
If you are curious to learn more, take a look at our many project inspirations to discover our expertise and solutions. With over 30 years of experience in public space landscaping, we guide you from initial concept to project completion thanks to our 100% French-made greening urban furniture.
Let’s work together to find the right solution for your space.
We incorporate current environmental challenges into our work. Atech is committed to offering 100% French greening solutions with the lowest possible carbon footprint.
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