Rennes, France, has nested itself in the heart of Rennes, one remarkable architectural endeavor that creates a beacon to sustainable urban living where the Ille River meets the Vilaine. MVRDV and ALL Architects Present Ascension Paysagère, a Residential Complex for Groupe Giboire in one of France's Best Cities to Live In But Struggling for Community-Based Development.
Striking a Perfect Balance as Growth Accelerates in Rennes
Rennes is being called the best place to live in France. Yet, the city has witnessed expeditious population growth sparked by its attraction as a center of culture and economic activities. With the city's historic heart sprinkled with heritage buildings and expansion pressure, outward growth is a matter of thought, not just being 'as big as.' Ascension Paysagère responds to that need with 138 dwellings in all sizes and price categories, including essential social dwellings.
Inspired by Nature, Rooted in Community
The architects took the geological formations of Rennes as design guides and, therefore, came up with the two curving buildings with slopes that gradually recede. This pattern respects nature and will contribute to the harmony between architecture and nature. Such terraces covered by greenery and individual flower pots create an idyllic setup and induce social interactions among the inhabitants, generating a village ambiance.
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Blending Tradition with Innovation
The frontage of Ascension Paysagère is an innovative statement that respects tradition. Made of stratified ceramic panels with matte and glossy finishes, the facet arrangement also reproduces the geological strata of the region. Lighting enhances this impression in the evening, naturally blurring the complex in a contemporary type of elegance within the environment.
Sustainability at its Core
Social responsibility and sustainability lie at the heart of Ascension Paysagère. The scheme will act as a blueprint for sustainable, low-carbon living, complete with facilities such as bike parking and electric charging points, some properties built to Passivhaus standards, and other innovations geared towards reducing the impact on the environment and inspiring a healthier lifestyle. Furthermore, Ascension Paysagère is accessible to all income brackets and helps to create an inclusive community through inclusion within the program of various dwelling types. Adding to its contribution to urban housing, Ascension Paysagère also forms vibrant public spaces. The pedestrianized streets and human-scaled plazas provide different interaction and cultural exchange opportunities. This, therefore, pushes the large, and hence necessary, convenience retail element to the ground floor and hoists the building up to make maximum use of the water views.
The building's amenity areas are on levels 5, 6, and 7. Each of these floors is surrounded by large wooden decks that extend toward the water and help furnish a shelter
Ascension Paysagère is a vision of what sustainable urban living can achieve as Rennes keeps changing. It combines innovative design, community-centered planning, and environmental stewardship and sets a model for many developments in and out of the city. In this green, water-surrounded environment, with people dedicated to inclusiveness, Ascension Paysagère raises the quality of life but puts a scene on a sustainable and resilient future.
In a changing urban landscape, Ascension Paysagère is to become the beacon of hope and proof that, in combination, responsible development can cohabitate with both nature and community. As Rennes seizes on the challenges that set the pace of the 21st century, projects like Ascension Paysagère stand as a perfect example and a work that clearly shows the transforming power of visionary architecture and collective actions in building a better future.
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