All over the world today, we are seeing successful initiatives on the theme of the Smart City. But, what we can expect from French firm Vincent Callebaut Architectures, actually from their plans for Paris is really something so far unseen. Although we should wait until 2050, but when finish with works, French capital will be a paradise of plant-embedded smart architecture.
Following the Climate Energy Plan of Paris aimed at reducing 75% of the greenhouse gas emissions within 2050, the Paris Smart City project is a research and development work on the integration of high-rise buildings with plus-energy (BEPOS) producing by solidarity all together energy for the surrounding areas. In order to fight against the urban heat-island phenomenon by increasing in the same time the density of the city in the long-term, this study presents 8 prototypes of mixed towers.
These towers repatriate the nature in the heart of the city and integrate from their design the rules of bioclimatism and the renewable and recyclable energies in short loop through innovative systems. Turned to new social innovations, they invent first new eco-responsible ways of life to implement the quality of life of the city-dwellers in the respect of the environment.
Mountain Towers at Rue de Rivoli – An array of 15 green, solar, and hydrodynamic towers will use vegetation to bio-air condition the famous commercial street.
Anti-smog Towers at Petite Ceinture – A series of five light-activated, Seusslike spiral towers will create an eco-corridor in Paris’ historic 14th District.
Photosynthesis Towers at Montparnasse – Adorned with algae-powered biofacades, the Photosynthesis Towers will be the centerpiece of a piezoelectrical Central Park-like landscape.
Bamboo Nest Towers at Massena – These thermodynamic green towers will be wrapped in bamboo meshes holding orchards and vertical food gardens.
Honeycomb Towers at HBM Porte De Lilas – Near the “Gates of Paris,” this development complex will be powered by a community-run energy solidaryti co-op.
Farmscrapers at Porte d’Aubervilliers – The countryside comes to the heart of the city through the construction of three stacked vertical farms.
Mangrove Towers at Gare du Nord – Using piezoelectricity to power the Gare du Nord station platforms, like the swamp trees of their namesake, the Mangrove Towers will take root in their surroundings.
Bridges Towers at Pont Aval – Weblike, amphibian-populated structures will span the Seine, bridging the 12th District of Pont Amont with the 16th District of Pont Aval.
