Serris, France (2007)
client: EPA Marne
design team: D PAYSAGE (lead landscape architects), TUGEC (infrastructure engineers) and Coup d’Eclat (lighting)
D PAYSAGE : Diala Haddad, Virginie Michaud, Laurence Roy, Guillaume Quemper
surface area: 20 800 m²
budget: 1 920 000 € HT
Located in the heart of Val d’Europe, the redesign of the Town Hall plaza reflects the city’s commitment to developing high-quality public spaces that foster community and represent its urban identity.
The project is based on a simple and clear composition that highlights the Town Hall’s architecture. It is organized around two complementary sections: a paved plaza extending from the shopping arcade and Place Toscane, and a landscaped area directly connected to the park located behind the building.
The design takes advantage of the existing difference in elevation between the Town Hall’s ground floor and the natural terrain. A vast expanse of paving stones in shades of gray extends the interior spaces into the public area and crosses the roadway through a series of steps and terraces that subtly follow the topographical variations. This composition enhances the clarity of the entrances and highlights the main façade. Beds of perennials and multi-stemmed trees frame the building, while fountains accentuate its architectural style and enliven the plaza.
The deliberately symmetrical and linear layout of the project amplifies the perception of openness and creates a harmonious dialogue between landscape and architecture. Rows of honey locust trees structure the vistas, accompany the pathways, and provide play areas that contribute to the site’s vibrancy. They naturally lead visitors to the garden located behind the town hall.
Extending from this composition, a wide, grassy staircase echoes the paved esplanade and aligns with the building’s axis. Crisscrossed by winding paths, it unfolds within generously planted beds, offering a space for strolling, relaxation, and contemplation amidst a colorful landscape that changes with the seasons.