Urban Regeneration Architecture: Transforming a Sunken Railway into a Modular Public Ecosystem

Urban regeneration architecture plays a critical role in redefining underutilized infrastructure into vibrant public assets. This project "Urban Renewal"developed by Misak Terzibasiyan, reimagines a forgotten sunken railway corridor as a layered, participatory public landscape. Anchored by the ethos of La Recyclerie café, the proposal integrates sustainability, modularity, and community engagement into a cohesive architectural strategy that reactivates both space and social interaction.

  Shortlisted entry of Salut Paris

Reclaiming the Railway: A Framework for Urban Regeneration

At the core of the project lies the transformation of an abandoned railway into an accessible and inclusive public realm. Rather than erasing the industrial past, the design preserves segments of the original railway tracks, embedding them into the new spatial narrative. This approach aligns with contemporary urban regeneration architecture, where adaptive reuse is leveraged to maintain historical continuity while enabling new functions.

The retained railway infrastructure is not merely symbolic. It actively supports movable modular units, introducing flexibility and temporal adaptability into the design. This dynamic system allows the site to evolve with changing user needs, reinforcing its long-term relevance within the urban fabric.

Layered Spatial Strategy: Responding to Linearity

The elongated and narrow geometry of the site informs a layered spatial organization. Functions are distributed longitudinally, creating gradients of privacy and activity. Near the La Recyclerie café, spaces are more contained and intimate, complementing the café’s program. As one progresses along the site, the environment gradually opens up into more public and interactive zones.

This sequencing establishes a clear spatial hierarchy while maintaining fluid transitions. Circulation paths weave through greenery, modules, and activity zones, ensuring continuous engagement. The result is a calibrated urban experience that balances movement, pause, and interaction.

Modularity and Flexibility: A System-Based Approach

A defining feature of this urban regeneration architecture is its modular system. The site incorporates both permanent and temporary units, each serving distinct user groups and functions. Temporary modules accommodate community-oriented programs such as workshops, flea markets, and reading spaces, primarily engaging local residents and immigrants.

Permanent modules, on the other hand, host functions that attract a broader audience, including tourists. These include cafés and viewing platforms that visually connect the street level to the sunken site. This dual system ensures inclusivity while diversifying the programmatic appeal of the space.

The modular units are prefabricated in wood, emphasizing sustainability and cost efficiency. Their scalability allows for phased implementation and future expansion, making the design economically viable and adaptable over time.

Ecological Integration and Productive Landscapes

The project extends beyond conventional public space design by integrating productive ecological systems. Urban farming, fish farming, and recycling areas are embedded within the site, transforming it into a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Vertical gardening systems and greenery corridors enhance environmental performance while improving user experience. These elements contribute to microclimatic regulation, biodiversity, and visual continuity. The inclusion of gravel pathways and permeable surfaces further reinforces the ecological sensitivity of the design.

Such integration positions the project within a broader discourse on regenerative urbanism, where public spaces are not only social platforms but also active contributors to environmental resilience.

Public Engagement and Social Inclusivity

The design prioritizes accessibility and participation. Previously hidden behind barriers, the site is now visually and physically open to the city. Multiple entry points and connections to surrounding pedestrian networks ensure seamless integration with the urban context.

Programmatically, the space caters to diverse user groups. From reading areas and workshops to markets and performances, the site supports a wide range of activities. This diversity fosters social interaction and encourages a sense of ownership among users.

The café functions as both an anchor and a mediator, bridging the upper street level with the lower railway space. Its balconies and visual connections enhance transparency, inviting passersby to engage with the site.

Cost-Effective Strategies in Urban Regeneration Architecture

Economic feasibility is addressed through a combination of prefabrication, material efficiency, and programmatic integration. The use of wood for modular units reduces construction costs and environmental impact. Reusing existing railway infrastructure minimizes resource consumption while adding functional value.

Additionally, integrating productive programs such as farming and recycling contributes to operational sustainability. These strategies collectively demonstrate how urban regeneration architecture can achieve both economic and environmental efficiency.

A Cohesive Urban Intervention

By activating a neglected urban void, the project establishes a cohesive platform that reconnects fragmented urban layers. The design enhances visual permeability, spatial accessibility, and programmatic richness, transforming the site into a dynamic public corridor.

The intervention not only revitalizes the physical space but also strengthens its relationship with the surrounding city. It exemplifies how targeted architectural strategies can unlock the latent potential of underutilized infrastructure.

Jury Perspectives

The project received mixed yet insightful feedback from the jury, reflecting both its strengths and areas for further development.

Rachel Luchetti noted that the proposal appears somewhat incongruous with the site and lacks conceptual maturity, suggesting the need for deeper contextual integration and refinement of the design narrative.

In contrast, Fuensanta Nieto positively acknowledged the project’s connection with the city, highlighting its success in establishing meaningful urban relationships and improving accessibility.

These perspectives underscore the complexity of urban regeneration projects, where balancing innovation with contextual sensitivity remains a critical challenge.

This project demonstrates the transformative potential of urban regeneration architecture in reactivating obsolete infrastructure. Through a combination of modular design, ecological integration, and social programming, it converts a neglected railway into a vibrant public ecosystem.

By embracing adaptability and inclusivity, the proposal offers a scalable model for future interventions in similar urban contexts. It positions architecture not only as a tool for spatial transformation but also as a catalyst for social and environmental renewal.