Caenaval
Caen is a city of 100,000 inhabitants situated in Normandy, France. Partially reconstructed after World War II, today the city holds lofty architectural ambitions. The Caen Presque Ile, an industrial peninsula defined by canals and rivers, is in the midst of an urban massive transformation. These transformations are currently the object of study by MVRDV. At the tip of this peninsula, in the center of downtown, we find the “Ile de Caen,” or Caen Island, a territory of 12 hectares where the city is constructing a number of large public amenities. A public library, designed by OMA, is the most iconic building, yet there are a number of additional available lots whose program remains to be defined.
The design concept proposes a clearing of grass surrounded by trees to create a private space that is flexible for various activities while setting key views to the city. The radical generation of paths becomes a link between the buildings on the site and the river. The hardscape frames the edge of the site, and allows for a more public feel that brings people closer to the water
Location: Caen, France
Type: Park
Year: 2014
Instructors: Michel Desvigne with Inessa Hansch, Harvard GSD
Option Sudio: The Contemporary Landscape
Team: Radhya Adityavarman