In Paris, the availability of ground space is now designated for greenery, such as trees and shrubs, rather than more buildings. This initiative is part of an ambitious bioclimatic local urban plan aimed at cooling the city, managing water, and conserving biodiversity. To address the pressing need for affordable housing, Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s administration is taking an innovative approach by considering vertical expansion of existing structures. This involves adding an extra floor or even three to older buildings, thus enabling more families to stay in the city.
The new urban regulations set a maximum building height of 37 meters, underlining the sensitivity surrounding this issue. Two primary options for height increases have been recognized: the first applies to housing units built from the 1950s to the 1980s, where higher levels can be added without overshadowing neighbors, provided they introduce new housing. The second opportunity lies on streets wider than 12 meters, where an additional floor can be constructed if the property owner agrees to enhance the landscaping.
Critics of Mayor Hidalgo’s policies voice concerns about overcrowding, yet rooftop construction has become more widespread. Lyon has also adopted measures encouraging this practice amid escalating land prices and the pressing need to minimize construction’s carbon footprint. In Paris, the Habitat Social Français specializes in such urban renewal projects, demonstrating a significant shift in how space is utilized in this historic metropolis.
The article discusses Paris’s new urban development plan aimed at addressing housing shortages while emphasizing green space. The plan acknowledges the scarcity of land available for construction, choosing instead to promote the elevation of existing buildings to meet housing demands. This move reflects a growing trend in urban planning that aims to balance environmental sustainability with the necessity for affordable living spaces in densely populated cities.
In conclusion, Paris is embarking on an innovative path to alleviate housing needs by allowing the vertical expansion of buildings while prioritizing green spaces. This dual focus seeks to refresh the urban landscape and accommodate more residents without compromising the city’s ecological integrity. The challenge of balancing growth and sustainability continues, with the hope that these measures will foster a livable, accessible, and vibrant Paris.
