New article in Objectif Métropoles "Regenerating territories for sustainable housing rooted in history"
Regenerating territories for sustainable housing rooted in history
For several decades, urban renewal has emerged as one of the major challenges of contemporary architecture. With a century of experience, our agency has distinguished itself through its ability to combine heritage preservation and architectural innovation by leading exemplary urban reconversion projects. Two projects particularly embody this commitment to urban regeneration, guided by our credo: "To be sustainable, a project must be born from its roots, and each of our choices must be guided by the responsibility we have toward living beings." These two stories share the same origin: the transformation of hospital wastelands. Behind these places once dedicated to care, a new promise emerges: that of creating a neighborhood reopened to the city, designed to care for its inhabitants.
Clos Saint-Louis in Saint-Germain-en-Laye
Requalifying a hospital site into a structuring eco-neighborhood.
Located on the former site of the Saint-Germain-en-Laye hospital, this project transforms a historic site into a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood within a remarkable living environment. A meticulous "urban stitching" effort preserves the identity of the place while projecting it into the future through the harmonious integration of contemporary buildings. The development breathes new life into the city center.
The project revolves around a diverse range of housing options, promoting social and intergenerational diversity. It includes coliving spaces in the rehabilitated water towers, various types of apartments, and studios designed as genuine "houses placed on rooftops," complete with sky-level gardens, embodying gentle and high-quality densification.
The new road network and the requalification of public spaces ensure seamless urban continuity with the historic center, enhancing the neighborhood's porosity and connectivity. From an environmental perspective, it adheres to an excellence-driven approach, aiming for ambitious certifications such as NF Habitat, HQE Excellent, and BREEAM Very Good. Energy optimization and the use of bio-based and low-carbon materials make this project a model of sustainable rehabilitation.
International City of Gastronomy and Wine in Dijon
A systemic approach to urban reconversion.
On 7 hectares of brownfield land in the city center, we showcase here the ability of Bechu & Associés to enhance historical heritage by infusing it with a new vocation rooted in its origins, in this case, the Burgundy terroir. This large-scale operation combines a cultural, educational, and tourist hub dedicated to gastronomy with a 48,000 m² eco-neighborhood comprising owner-occupied housing, student, tourist, and senior residences, some office spaces, as well as a range of services and shops.
A subtle architectural dialogue between the restoration of old structures and bold contemporary interventions characterizes the project. The materials used, selected for their durability and ability to integrate into the historical context, reflect the commitment to embedding the project within a historical continuity. Eco-responsible water management, the renaturation of outdoor spaces, and biodiversity preservation are key elements contributing to the resilience of this urban ensemble.
Beyond its architectural dimension, the CIGV serves as a laboratory for communal living—a hybrid space where residents, students, tourists, and professionals from the gastronomy world coexist. By synergizing residential, cultural, and economic dynamics, it stands as a model of functional diversity that meets new urban expectations.
Sustainable urban planning, serving a city in transition.
Transforming hospital wastelands into vibrant neighborhoods is a response to the urban challenges of the 21st century. Through these two projects, we demonstrate that urban renewal is not limited to densification: it is about reinterpreting heritage and adapting it to contemporary uses, with a focus on transmission and innovation. These projects offer a unique opportunity to enhance the attractiveness of cities, promote diversity, and create sustainable living spaces. By combining respect for heritage with environmental commitment, our agency actively contributes to this transformation, where the city of tomorrow is written in continuity with its history.
