Urban workshops: Inhabitants invent the future

Problem

After the Renoir block in 2000, La Courneuve turned a new page of its history in June 2004 with the demolition of 600 homes. In 2002, three planning teams were selected to propose a project which needed to meet four objectives: the reconstruction of 300 homes, the insertion of sporting areas, the creation of new streets and commercial premises. At the same time, the town decided to involve inhabitants in the preparation of the project through the creation of four urban workshops.

Description

The redevelopment of the “quartier des 4000” is the opportunity for the town of La Courneuve to set up urban workshops in which inhabitants become participants in the development of their neighbourhood. This collective approach has allowed them to familiarise themselves with projects, look at mock-ups for the three development projects proposed, and give their opinion. Their choice is important as the votes of inhabitants count for a third of votes in the jury made up of elected representatives and important figures.

Approach

Present from the outset, the inhabitants of La Courneuve were involved more and more in the project, and have followed the different stages in the restructuring of the neighbourhood. The work of inhabitants is recognised by their participation in the jury, where their vote has the same weight as the Mayor, representing a new stage in participative democracy in la Courneuve.

Results

45 workshops have regularly attracted over 80 inhabitants. The mobilisation of each group has made it possible to develop a common viewpoint, the results of these reflections being passed on to the three planning firms and presented via an exhibition.

Beneficiaries

Inhabitants are broken down into four groups. A “children” workshop groups kids from 9-11 years of age, a “public services” workshop comprises professionals from the HLM (Low-rent housing) agencies, the child benefit office, the municipal health centre, the post office, schools, SME etc. A “youth” workshop groups those from 12-17, and the “inhabitants” workshop is open to all, whether they live in the area or not, and regularly mobilises some twenty inhabitants.

Resources used

During meetings, coordinators encourage debates between participants, using maps, town plans and photographs. Visits to other sites accompanied by planning firms are also organised by the “youth” workshop, with the following programme: Saint-Denis town-centre, the areas of Pantin, Châtenay-Malabry, Bourse du travail in Bobigny and the street Nationale in Paris.

Contact info

Local Grand projet de ville (La Courneuve)
Irène Gégout, tel. +33 1 48 37 93 00

Project start date

//2003

Cities

La Courneuve, France

Document type

case