vivre le vide... et le vin!

From vibrant, freshly emerging urban developments along the banks of the Garonne to iconic achievements from both the present and the past: Bordeaux is an urban laboratory in full bloom. The historic fabric undulates toward breathtaking new waterfront districts, while landmark projects from the previous century — such as the cité du Grand Parc — are undergoing an impressive metamorphosis through bold renovation, smart densification and greatly improved public space. High-profile interventions compellingly show how quay, park and street merge into one harmonious urban setting. And that is not all: high-speed TGV connections and an ever-expanding tram network are driving the metropolis toward highly considered, future-oriented densification strategies on the city edge — with a smart mix of housing, work and amenities, and with plenty of attention to climate adaptation and soft mobility.

The architecture trip explores contemporary architecture, urban planning, public space and landscapes, but also zooms in on earlier transformations. It includes the embellishment of the historic center: the siècle d’or, a century before Haussmann reshaped Paris. In striking interventions such as the elevated business district Mériadeck, infrastructure and modernist ambitions form a distinct urban layer.

Under the shade of an ancient pine tree, a gem from home then appears: Le Pin (Robbrecht en Daem architects). The project nestles modestly among the vineyards, where the architecture of wine also gets a stage. In and around the estates, signatures by Mario Botta, Christian de Portzamparc, Jean Nouvel, Herzog & de Meuron and Foster + Partners stand out — a showcase of how landscape, production and representation together form a new typology.

Getting around in Bordeaux is mainly by tram, supplemented by bike rides along the quais and through parks. Outlying locations can be reached by tram/TER and short bike loops. Visits in the vineyards are made by rental car, so that routes remain smooth, sustainable and legible within the landscape.

highlights

In the Cité du Grand Parc in Bordeaux, Lacaton & Vassal transformed three residential towers without demolition: winter gardens and balconies increase space and comfort. The intervention keeps residents in place, reduces costs and proves the power of renovation through 'plus'. 

Of course, two experimental workers' housing estates by Le Corbusier are also on the program — laboratories for light, air and collectivity, which still raise questions today about living, cohabitation and scale.

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