Paris, Cidade Metrópole. A evolução e o (re)pensar de estratégias urbanas. 3 épocas, 3 casos de estudo

Abstract

Attentively observe the mutations of a city has been quite usual in France, for a long time. In Paris, we fortunately find all urban layers resulting from various interventions, since Middle Ages until today. In this document, the attention will be focused on the interventions that took place in the city of Paris (especially during the second half of the last century) and that provided a visible contribution for the current image and aspect of the French capital. Paris is a city that is obviously very rich in tradition, and therefore part this report will provide insight about its organization and urban development approaches. This analysis report is developed through a study of different urban projects of Paris, focusing also on the reflection about the key strategies, considerations, trends and works that have been undertaken in time, and that marked the main stages of the growth of Paris' master planning and urban structure. Simultaneously, the scenarios of some national and international urban policies will be described and discussed. To face the economic, social and environmental changes of Paris, and in order to manage effectively Paris' new urban projects, it became necessary to rethink the existing context and the future challenges. Therefore, the research and analysis of the different urban projects and addressed topics will allow to understand the complexity and difficulty that one may face in the urban planning and community development process. Subsequently, this report will present a set of concepts that should be considered in the process stages and in the design practice of an urban development project for the city of Paris. These concepts are seen as essential for the full and satisfactory implementation, in the short and long term, of such urban development project. This thesis focuses directly on an approach taking into account the impact that these urban programs can have on the urban socio-spatial reality of the Parisian metropolis. Likewise, it will be possible to understand how a city that is constantly trying to adapt to its territory and its population's aims and needs (through different urban strategies, policies and political programs), is becoming dynamic and attractive. For a city, it is this dynamics and attractiveness that will allow ensuring its environmental, economic and social sustainability, and guaranteeing a continuity and evolution of its competitiveness, at national and international level.