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"Poissy Galore" artfully frames green public space on the banks of the Seine

2017-01-05T13:27:00-05:00

Situated in Carrière-Sous-Poissy in France along the River Seine, "Poissy Galore" by Armengaud Armengaud Cianchetta (AAC) and Herlach Hartmann Frommenwiler (HHF) is designed primarily as an ecological public space for both Parisian residents and far-flung visitors. Consisting of an observatory, an insect museum and a visitor center, the project title is an apt play on the James Bond film, both in terms of its expansiveness and playfulness. The inventive timber construction and visually arresting angular framing is as much a part of the project's allure as its nuanced integration into its 113 hectare site.

As the architects explain, "With the exception of the observatory, which is a steel construction, the collection of pavilions and small 'follies' is based on a modular wood system, repeating and combining different sized and angled timber frames."

In addition to the public spaces, the project also has private offices and storage, including facilities to raise insects.

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Pollution-plagued Paris to ban cars from the side of the Seine

2016-09-27T13:49:00-04:00

In an effort to curb air pollution, the city council of Paris has approved a controversial plan to pedestrianize the 3.3 km road that runs along the Right Bank of the Seine River. Stretching from the Tuileries Gardens to the Henri-IV tunnel near the Bastille, the road is currently used by some 43,000 cars a day. The plan would replace the roadway with wooden walkways and landscaping, and cost an estimated €8 million.

The plan is supported by the Socialist government and faces opposition from the country’s conservative faction, who argue that it will increase traffic in a city already jam-packed with cars. Nearly 55 percent of Parisians support the plan, according to the Independent.

Air pollution in Paris can rival cities like Beijing, and is responsible for over 2,000 deaths per year.

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Louvre relocates artwork as the Seine floods

2016-06-02T13:30:00-04:00

As heavy rainfall floods Paris, the Louvre isn’t taking chances with its priceless art collection and will close on Friday to prevent water damage. The museum will move pieces from its underground stores to higher floors to keep them safe, according to a Thursday statement. The Louvre is right next to the Seine river, which has risen 16 ft. above its normal levels due to rain over the past few weeks, AFP reports.

Abnormally heavy rains have caused flooding in northeastern France as well as parts of Germany this week. In Paris, the Seine has risen 16 feet – the highest since 1960 but still short of the standing record of 26 feet from 1910.

The rains and flooding have resulted in nine deaths in Germany, disrupted the French Open, and provoked two of Paris' major, riparian museums – the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay – to plan for the worst.

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