A Proposal to Turn Paris’ Unused Metro Stations Into Parks, Pools, and More

We architects know full well the power of renderings to capture the imagination. Apparently – so too do politicians. Capitalizing on the popularity of adaptive reuse projects around the world (a trend instigated by the success of New York’s High Line), French politician Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet has made converting Paris’ unused “ghost stations” a major part of her platform, promising that these projects will come to pass should she be elected mayor.

The renderings, by Manal Rachdi OXO Architects and Nicolas Laisné Associés, show the Arsenal station (unused since 1939) alternately as a swimming pool, a green park, restaurant, disco, or theater. As there are in fact 16 disused metro stations in Paris, the idea behind these renderings is to instigate debate among practitioners as to how these spaces could best serve the city. See all the renderings, after the break.

As there are in fact 16 disused metro stations in Paris, the idea behind these renderings is to instigate debate among practitioners as to how these spaces could best serve the city. While it seems unlikely that Kosciusko-Morizet will beat out the frontrunner in the mayoral race, Socialist Anne Hidalgo, the renderings have certainly caused a stir in both local and international press – proving the power of the architectural rendering to provoke conversation and – potentially – action.

Story via CNN and IBT

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