TVK: Place de la République

The redevelopment of the Place de la République in Paris is based on the concept of an open space with multiple urban uses.

The french architecture and urbanism agency, TVK - Pierre Alain Trévelo and Antoine Viger-Kohler, hand over the redevelopment of the Place de la République.

Inaugurated in June, the Place de la République is now the largest pedestrian square in Paris.

TVK: Place de la République — Top and above: TVK, Place de la République redevelopment, Paris, 2013. Photo Clément Guillaume

Due to its exceptional size (120m by nearly 300m), its symbolic dimension as a representative public statement and its location in the city, the Place de la République occupies a special place in the international hub that is Paris.
The redevelopment of the Place de la République is based on the concept of an open space with multiple urban uses. The elimination of the traffic circle frees the site from the dominating constraint of motor vehicle traffic.

TVK: Place de la Rèpublique — TVK, Place de la République redevelopment, Paris, 2013. Photo Clément Guillaume

The creation of the concourse marks the return of calm in an airy, uncluttered two hectare space. The new square, now skirted by motor traffic, creates a large-scale landscape and becomes an urban resource, available and adaptable for different uses. Clear connections with the large boulevards promote a new balance centred on soft transport for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. The statue of Marianne, the reflective pool, the pavilion and the rows of the trees form a strong axis.

TVK: Place de la Rèpublique redevelopment — TVK, Place de la République redevelopment, Paris, 2013. Photo Clément Guillaume

This harmony is amplified by the serene balance of the inorganic element and a very gentle slope of 1%. All these elements contribute to both the interpretation of unitary materials in a perennial and contemporary manner and multiple explorations (colours, water, lights) creating different urban ambiances.

The Place de la République is now a new centre of attraction, a place for exchanges and meetings. Two terraces incorporated into the continuity of the square encourage people to sit down and relax. The south-west part of the square houses a 162 sqm pavilion also designed by TVK, a unique building, glazed throughout to retain a continuous impression of this singular space.

Place de la République redevelopment
Architects and urban planners: Pierre-Alain Trévelo and Antoine Viger- Kohler
Client: City of Paris, Highways Department (Direction de la Voirie et Déplacements)
Completion: 2013