Winner in Avignon, TGV Station District

Launched in the summer of 2022 by the Agglomeration Community of Grand Avignon in partnership with the City of Avignon, the consultation resulted in the Inspir’Avignon project, the first demonstration macro-island in the future Avignon-Confluences district, located near the TGV train station.
Developed with Icade and Primosud, this project is a response to a major challenge: putting an end to the isolation of the station, which opened in 2001. This will be achieved by creating a two-mile “civic axis” linking it directly to the historic center.

Spanning four hectares on either side of a two-hectare central park, the project will include housing, tertiary spaces, retail, and restaurants, creating an inclusive and welcoming neighborhood.

The environmental approach consisted of building housing around a central park, with plenty of greenery to cool the air in summer. The layout of the buildings and the thickness of the facades provide protection from strong northerly winds in winter. A moderate-temperature geothermal loop will enable the energy supply to be shared, removing some of the power demands for heating and cooling. Finally, materiality will enable us to aim for optimum carbon sobriety by drawing on local bio-based and geo-based supply chains.

A project led by Mohamed Benzerzour with construction set to start in 2025.