First of all, it is important to note that the greening project at Angers station marks the first partnership between Alexis Tricoire, plant designer, and ATECH. This installation, entitled “Nature in Levitation”, is a bespoke creation. In addition to monumental installations, it also includes:

  • objects
  • scenographies
  • interior and exterior arrangements
  • urban furniture

Through this article, you’ll discover the refined expertise developed by ATECH over time, which enabled the successful greening of Angers station. This project led to the installation of autonomous suspended planters in brushed stainless steel, along with sit-stand benches. We will also explore how this project reflects the dynamics of Angers, particularly in relation to urban greening and the city’s overall appeal. Finally, we’ll consider together how this project opens new perspectives on the future of urban design and greening strategies.

ATECH-angers-station

LEVITATION AND GREENING

To begin, Nature in Levitation by Alexis Tricoire illustrates both our technical know-how and our material expertise. This creation represents a true engineering challenge. It also opens the door to in-depth research into plant maintenance in constrained environments.

CLIENT

JARDIN DE GALLY for SNCF Station Angers St Laud in partnership with ATECH

DESIGNER

ALEXIS TRICOIRE

MATERIAL

BRUSHED STAINLESS STEEL

LOCATION

ANGERS (49)

Refined expertise developed over time

This collaboration represents more than just a landscaping project. It’s a testament to ATECH’s skillset and insightful expertise, along with that of Alexis Tricoire. This greening project at Angers station expresses an inspiring vision of the future of urban furniture and public space design.

MASTERING MATERIALS FOR OVER 40 YEARS

These installations were created using rolled sheets and highly precise welding. This project showcases our ability to push material boundaries, a capability honed over the past 40 years. This enables us to offer attractive, innovative solutions, through both their design and their functionality.

It is also clear that this project will continue to spark dialogue and reflection on the role of plants in society.

ENSURING PLANT VIABILITY AND PROMOTING AUTONOMY: OPTIMISING WATER MANAGEMENT

What makes this greening project at Angers station so relevant, beyond its rigorous technical execution, is the research conducted to ensure plant viability in the stainless-steel planters. Indeed, these planters were designed to:

  • meet plant needs
  • support water autonomy in the planters

This highlights the importance of complete expertise in both greening and water management. Through bold projects like this one, Angers strengthens its identity as a creative, dynamic city — boosting regional recognition and national visibility.

A PROJECT THAT DEMONSTRATES ATECH’S EXPERTISE

Angers is known for its cultural and economic vibrancy. Beyond its captivating aesthetics, Nature in Levitation also sparks reflection on the interaction between design, nature, furniture and public space.

This installation demonstrates a perfect alliance between design and technology, pushing the boundaries of urban greening. While poetic in its form, this creation also tackles numerous technical challenges — including the management of plant growth and ecosystem maintenance. It stands as a symbol of innovation and ongoing R&D, especially regarding water management and urban integration of nature.

01.

GREEN

Integration of vegetation in interior spaces

02.

DESIGN

Enhancing urban and territorial space

03.

INNOVATE

With autonomous solutions

Showcasing the dynamics of Angers through greening

This greening project at Angers station highlights the energy of the city and its region. Technically speaking, this groundbreaking project is a major challenge, but it also opens the door to new design solutions.

With this unique installation, Angers station reflects the cultural and economic effervescence of the city. Beyond its aesthetic dimension, Nature in Levitation encourages reflection on the complex relationship between design, nature, furniture and space.

A PREFECTURE RICH IN GREEN SPACES

Angers is the French city with the greenest space per inhabitant. In 2020, it offered nearly 100m² per resident, compared to 48m² on average in France. The French National Union of Landscape Companies (UNEP) awarded the city a score of 86/100, making it France’s greenest city since 2014.

“Green spaces are located within 500 metres of every resident, with 80% of the territory within 300 metres.”

source : ouest-france.fr

A DYNAMIC CITY CULTIVATED OVER TIME

Angers is also known for its large student population. Each year, the “Jardins d’Expression” competition showcases emerging talent in landscape design. The winners present their work for six months in the city’s central Place du Ralliement.

Angers also host many startups focused on innovation, including in the field of urban greening. Notably, the city has earned the “French Tech” label.

Ultimately, Nature in Levitation embodies the innovative spirit of Angers, combining cultural and economic vibrancy with a strong focus on urban ecology.

A LANDMARK PROJECT FOR URBAN GREENING AND THE CITY OF ANGERS

The return of nature to cities is a growing priority. This theme raises multiple challenges:

  • restore balance between urbanisation, biodiversity and preservation
  • manage and optimise water, maintenance and resources
  • offer attractive and comfortable urban spaces

This project offers a tangible response to these challenges, developed in partnership with ATECH and Alexis Tricoire. It confirms our shared commitment to greening the urban environment

The city of Angers has made urban nature a major focus of its development strategy. With more than m² of green space per resident and engaged citizens, the city has committed to green planning initiatives at every level.

ATECH actively contributes to these efforts by offering innovative urban furniture solutions and supporting public authorities in developing green strategies tailored to their urban space.

Rethinking the future of greening and urban development

MULTI-LEVEL GREENING: IN THE AIR AND ON THE GROUND

This project features suspended planters in brushed stainless steel, designed to support healthy plant growth and enhance lighting conditions. These become striking nighttime features at the station.

On the ground, sit-stand benches are installed to meet the needs of travelers. Designed for visual consistency, these benches use the same stainless-steel material and finish.

Each piece was crafted with meticulous care, and the finishing details underscore the innovative, technological and future-forward nature of the design.

ATECH-plants-angers-station

A PROJECT THAT QUESTIONS THE FUTURE OF URBAN DESIGN

Ultimately, this installation highlights the potential of suspended landscape structures. It stimulates conversation around the future of urban greening and design.

It also introduces a new perspective on design-led furniture, showing how multiple functions and aesthetics can coexist in urban environments.

This project invites observers to rethink their relationship with nature in a modern urban context.

végétalisation de la gare d'angers, 2 assis-debouts en acier inoxydable vernis devant la gare d'angers

In conclusion, the Angers station greening project, titled Nature in Levitation, reflects a successful collaboration between ATECH and Alexis Tricoire. It marks a major milestone in the evolution of urban design. This bold creation highlights our ability to deliver bespoke solutions that meet both technical demands and user expectations.

With this installation, the city of Angers reaffirms its commitment to integrating nature into the urban environment. Combining aesthetics, function and durability, it creates welcoming spaces for everyone. In short, Nature in Levitation embodies a forward-thinking vision of urban development, encouraging us to redefine our relationship with nature at the heart of cities.

Interested in this project?

As a French manufacturer of greening furniture, we offer both standard products and bespoke solutions through our design office. The latter analyses the feasibility of your project and provides a custom-made response.

végétalisation de la gare d'angers, 2 assis-debouts en acier inoxydable vernis devant la gare d'angers