Social Housing Renewal Challenged: La tour Bois-le-Prêtre, Paris 2012

Kapitel i bok, 2016

This chapter explores the dynamic interrelations between architectural and social change and puts special attention to ways of residing characterised by spatial transgression, symbolic turn and altering residential practices. It attempts to reposition the role of architectural intervention in generating cultural changes. While focusing on the dynamic between social realities and architectural alterations, the chapter draws on a qualitative analysis of the 2012 transformation of La tour Bois-le-Prêtre in Paris. The project demonstrates alternative social housing policies and strategies for renovating suburban high-rises, and is considered a successful response to challenges of housing renewal. The chapter also identifies the implications of this approach and its potential for future urban revitalisation efforts. This project is characterised by the specific procedure of direct involvement of the local residents as a process of deliberation from the start even taking part in the choice of architects in the competition.