‘Cité des Étoiles’ (City of Stars) Gavors, France
by Jean Renaudie (1978).
The work of Jean Renaudie is unlike any other known to France. He rejected the common form of the grand ensemble that dominated French residential architecture in the 1960’s and 70’s and the social presumptions these mass produced developments made. Instead Renaudie was resolute that every dwelling should be unique and every neighbourhood diverse and organic. He built a series of urban projects based on these principles, the most famed of which are in Ivry near Paris and Gavors near Lyon, described in this article.
Renaudie’s renewal of the city centre of Gavors, France, is a prime example of his fascination with landscape. Built into the cliff of Saint Gerald’s hill, leading up to the ruined castle, the Cité des Étoiles extends up the cliff edge, becoming part of the topography. The brutal concrete roofscape reflects the staggered stones of the cliff, set among an array of trees and foliage growing from the roof top gardens, pathways and open spaces, in harmony with its naturalistic setting.
Every residence has a terrace, the connection to outdoor space imperative to private and communal life in the development. The complex provision of public space is one of the most astounding elements to Renaudie’s work. The development opens out onto the main public square of Gavors, across the town hall, several main roads form arteries through the development, however it is otherwise almost entirely pedestrianised, with underground car parks. Wide pedestrian streets lined with shops and facilities lead into the development, connecting to internal public gardens. From these run secondary walkways, which subdivide becoming increasingly private as they lead towards residential entrances.
The definition of public and private space is never formally defined until the front door of each residence, and yet as one moves through the narrowing walkways there becomes and increasing sensation of privacy. The increasing enclosure of walkways, changes in lighting conditions, materiality and the individuality of each space suggests a structure of public and private space, without forming any physical barriers.
The following photographs document a route up through the stairwell that opens to the street in the photo above. As the visitor ascends the space transforms from open and public to an enclosed and increasingly private sensation.
The Cité des Étoiles is unlike any typical grand ensemble. Whilst the dwellings themselves received a degree of criticism, their triangular shape impractical for standard fittings and furnishings, the originality is highly admirable. There is a constant thrill as a visitor, moving through the winding streets, constantly discovering new spaces, facilities and opening views over Gavors as one accents the cliff side. The maze like complexity of the plan may seem daunting, but on the ground it creates a spectacular array of unique spaces, engraved into the landscape, a constant play between people and place.
This review was written as a result of a visit to Lyon in May 2014 on a study trip with DOCOMOMO UK. With thanks to Judi Loach for her excellent organisation and expert knowledge, and to all members of the study group for their interesting insights and thoughtful discussions of the projects visited.
VERNACULAR MODERN 