Public Housing Landscapes in France, 1945-1975

The following is an in-progress analysis of landscapes designed for shared residential projects created during a period of unprecedented housing construction in post-war France (1945-1975). The three cases studies presented-La Butte Rouge, La Maurelette and Les Chatillons-are part of a larger examination of more than 200 projects realised during this time. Our methods have included cartographic and textual analyses, on-site verifications, and archival studies. While France is known for its great Baroque landscapes and the work of its contemporary landscape designers, these projects, pivotal in the creation of the profession, represent a little-known stratum within landscape research. Sharing this work with professionals and scholars is timely because these projects have been slated for renovation. To date such renovations have ignored their landscape architecture. By revealing the landscape designs of these projects, and how they were formational in the careers of significant French designers, it is hoped that a more nuanced revitalisation will be considered.