Mulhouse - La Cité Manifeste: A Model for Affordable, Sustainable Housing
Mulhouse, France, may not be a glamorous metropolis, but it boasts a hidden gem: La Cité Manifeste. This innovative social housing project, renamed La Cité Manifest Pierre Zemp in 2022, offers a compelling model for affordable, sustainable living.
Built between 2001 and 2005 under the leadership of architect Jean Nouvel, La Cité Manifeste comprises a series of low-rise buildings housing 60 units. Notably, 14 of these units were designed by Lacaton & Vassal, pioneers of retrofitting existing structures for increased space and energy efficiency.
Retrofitting for Affordability and Sustainability
The Lacaton & Vassal units showcase an early iteration of their now-celebrated approach. They achieve this through:
Flexible Space: Utilizing a concrete frame with sliding glass doors and corrugated steel siding, these units offer adaptable living areas.
Greenhouse Extensions: Upper floors feature greenhouse spaces with textile curtains, providing natural ventilation, shade in summer, and passive solar heating in winter.
Reduced Energy Costs: These innovative features translate to lower energy consumption and a reduced reliance on mechanical temperature control.
Beyond Lacaton & Vassal: A Tapestry of Innovation
While the Lacaton & Vassal units are a highlight, the entire Cité Manifeste reflects a commitment to innovative design. Other architects involved in the project include Mathieu Poitevin, Duncan Lewis, Shiguru Ban, and Jean de Gastines. Their contributions showcase a variety of approaches to:
Material Use: Affordable yet innovative materials like corrugated steel are employed throughout the complex.
Passive Solar Design: Buildings are designed to maximize passive solar heating and natural ventilation.
Blurring Indoor/Outdoor Boundaries: Many units incorporate elements that connect living spaces with outdoor areas.
Integration with the City
La Cité Manifeste is not an isolated development. It is well-connected to the city center and train station via public transport and within walking distance of the Marché du Canal Couverte du Mulhouse, a vibrant market with restaurants and grocers. The area boasts a diverse cultural scene, evident in the presence of the Tamil Association Culturelle Saivam.
Learning from Mulhouse
Meanwhile, Mulhouse is tackling the challenge of energy-efficient tower block renovations. A 12-story tower on Rue Anna Schoen exemplifies this effort. This project involves a public-private partnership with the French government, local agencies, and the building's co-ownership syndicate. It highlights the potential for collaboration in addressing climate change mitigation in existing structures.
Conclusion
La Cité Manifeste stands as a testament to what can be achieved when affordability, sustainability, and innovative design come together. It offers valuable lessons for cities worldwide seeking to create high-quality, low-carbon housing options for their residents. Coupled with Mulhouse's efforts in tower block renovation, the city presents a compelling model for the future of urban living.
