Deconstruct the symptom of the fence and work together to devise a protocol that residents and communities can adopt to dismantle their own.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The city is barricading itself. In the face of urban nuisances, fences have emerged as an immediate physical response, in both public and private spaces. Yet, far from solving the problems, they trap the city within its own fears, embodying mistrust rather than addressing the root causes of these issues. As a quick fix, the installation of fences often seems to stem more from reflex than from a thoughtful consideration of the uses, needs, and conflicts that shape urban space.
This project aims to challenge this systematic response and demonstrate that other approaches are possible. It will focus on Bas-Belleville as its case study, where 70% of the total facade length is currently fenced off. This neighborhood serves as an ideal vantage point for understanding the reasons behind this proliferation, the expectations it fulfills, and the consequences it has on lived spaces.
The approach will unfold in four stages: conducting field research to document situations and perceptions; collectively brainstorming alternatives; testing hypotheses against reality by building a prototype; and examining the conditions for replicating the approach in other contexts. Beyond challenging the use of fences, the project aims to spark a broader reflection on how we address the city’s ills.
The city is barricading itself. In the face of urban nuisances, fences have emerged as an immediate physical response, in both public and private spaces. Yet, far from solving the problems, they trap the city within its own fears, embodying mistrust rather than addressing the root causes of these issues. As a quick fix, the installation of fences often seems to stem more from reflex than from a thoughtful consideration of the uses, needs, and conflicts that shape urban space.
This project aims to challenge this systematic response and demonstrate that other approaches are possible. It will focus on Bas-Belleville as its case study, where 70% of the total facade length is currently fenced off. This neighborhood serves as an ideal vantage point for understanding the reasons behind this proliferation, the expectations it fulfills, and the consequences it has on lived spaces.
The approach will unfold in four stages: conducting field research to document situations and perceptions; collectively brainstorming alternatives; testing hypotheses against reality by building a prototype; and examining the conditions for replicating the approach in other contexts. Beyond challenging the use of fences, the project aims to spark a broader reflection on how we address the city’s ills.
THE TEAM
This project is led by the firm Dadour de Pous Architecture. Stéphanie Dadour holds a Ph.D. in architecture, is authorized to supervise research, and is an associate professor at ENSA Paris-Malaquais. A graduate of INSA Strasbourg, Florian de Pous developed and honed his architectural practice over 18 years at the firm Lacaton & Vassal. They founded their firm in 2018, drawing on the expertise gained from their experiences in technical, bioclimatic, and environmental issues, as well as in matters related to building use and programming.
This project is led by the firm Dadour de Pous Architecture. Stéphanie Dadour holds a Ph.D. in architecture, is authorized to supervise research, and is an associate professor at ENSA Paris-Malaquais. A graduate of INSA Strasbourg, Florian de Pous developed and honed his architectural practice over 18 years at the firm Lacaton & Vassal. They founded their firm in 2018, drawing on the expertise gained from their experiences in technical, bioclimatic, and environmental issues, as well as in matters related to building use and programming.
