Thibault de Metz
Landscaper of the Presqu'île
A quiet project for public spaces
The Arpentère Landscape Designers-Sogreah Consultants group has been selected by the City of Deauville to design the public spaces of the Touques peninsula, the first step in the project's implementation before the future construction of the various buildings and facilities. Thibault de Metz, landscape designer, comments on these developments.
The design faithfully reflects the composition of Xavier Bohl, architect of the overall project adopted by the city in 200
When we started working, we discovered a site already inhabited by the design of Xavier Bohl. We entered into his approach by retaining two main things.
First of all, the general spirit that he wanted to give to the building: a strong, colorful architecture. Faced with the great presence of these constructions, we did not want to overdo it but rather to pose a calm project for the public spaces. This is reflected in the selection of sober materials and vegetation.
The other strong element of the project is the landscaped park along the Touques River. We have endeavored to extend the park to the foot of the facades and to simplify its design. This beautiful promenade is a link in the coastal path of Deauville.
The treatment of the streets (floors, lampposts, etc.) is in the spirit of the other Deauville streets. The choice of the lamppost shows this continuity of style: it is a mast from the beginning of the 20th century, present in Deauville and a witness to the industrial past of the peninsula. We are studying the possibility of re-editing the old pole today.
The urban grid is that defined by Xavier Bohl's plan with a network of streets, paths and squares. Without creating a parasitic traffic, the streets irrigate the district very well. The Place des Douanes, the square in front of this noble building, allows a U-turn to get back to Deauville and Trouville. Quai des pêcheurs, traffic is reserved for service vehicles and fishermen. The station platform is first and foremost the place for petitions and sunny terraces. Along the coastline, a bicycle path extends the existing one, to create a continuity.
The strong points of this urban composition are the four new squares. These places of convergence all have their particularities, their contrasting atmospheres in connection with their environment or their roles.
