Architecture

Massive landscaping project to bring site of iconic Eiffel Tower to life

Massive landscaping project to bring site of iconic Eiffel Tower to life
Gustafson Porter + Bowman got the nod for the €40 million project, dubbed OnE, following an architecture competition
Gustafson Porter + Bowman got the nod for the €40 million project, dubbed OnE, following an architecture competition
View 7 Images
Gustafson Porter + Bowman got the nod for the €40 million project, dubbed OnE, following an architecture competition
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Gustafson Porter + Bowman got the nod for the €40 million project, dubbed OnE, following an architecture competition
OnE is expected to be completed in 2023
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OnE is expected to be completed in 2023
Gustafson Porter + Bowman aims to address the overcrowding that comes from 30 million people visiting the tower each year
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Gustafson Porter + Bowman aims to address the overcrowding that comes from 30 million people visiting the tower each year
OnE will involve pedestrianizing much of the area around the Eiffel Tower
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OnE will involve pedestrianizing much of the area around the Eiffel Tower
OnE will also create lots of new restaurants and parks
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OnE will also create lots of new restaurants and parks
OnE will place the Eiffel Tower at the center of a line that connects to other Paris landmarks like the Place du Trocadéro, the Palais de Chaillot, the Pont d’Iéna, the Champ de Mars and the Ecole Militaire
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OnE will place the Eiffel Tower at the center of a line that connects to other Paris landmarks like the Place du Trocadéro, the Palais de Chaillot, the Pont d’Iéna, the Champ de Mars and the Ecole Militaire
OnE is expected to be completed in 2023
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OnE is expected to be completed in 2023
View gallery - 7 images

The Eiffel Tower has undergone a little work in recent years, including a first floor renovation and the addition of some wind turbines, but now the land surrounding the iconic building will receive a makeover too. The first phase of the landscaping project is due to be completed in 2023, well in time for the city's 2024 Summer Olympics.

London-based Gustafson Porter + Bowman got the nod for the €40 million (roughly US$44 million) landscaping project, dubbed OnE, following a competition by city officials which had 42 entries. It will take up an area of 54 hectares (133 acres).

The firm plans to address the overcrowding that comes from 30 million people visiting the site each year, while improving its accessibility and services. It will also offer a more unified and easily navigated landscape.

Other planned additions include a playground, multiple parks, cycle paths, an amphitheater, promenade, shops, restaurants and an overall focus on pedestrianizing much of the area, while improving traffic management where cars are allowed.

OnE is expected to be completed in 2023
OnE is expected to be completed in 2023

"One thus evokes the union of two historic landscape typologies: classical French gardens, characterized by major axes that express power; and French picturesque gardens, as places of artistic experimentation," says Gustafson Porter + Bowman. "In this urban landscape, green routes and gardens reserved for creative pursuits frame and soften the central axis. These 'corridors' and 'glades' introduce biodiversity, as well as areas for hosting temporary events. such as musical performances and sculpture exhibitions. Thus, One compresses into one word the idea and ideal of a unified space."

The project also involves Chartier Corbasson Architects, Atelier Monchecourt & Co, Sathy, MA-Geo, and more.

Source: Gustafson Porter + Bowman

View gallery - 7 images
3 comments
3 comments
guzmanchinky
We were just there last summer, and except for the construction and terror barriers around the tower, it seemed perfect just the way it is. I guess I'll go back again after the Olympics and remodeling are over...
Username
Before and after pictures would greatly help in understanding the project.
Smokey_Bear
Wow, nice upgrade, amazing what some good landscaping can do. But of course the pictures left out a hoards of refugee's, and protesting, and bullet proof glass, and barriers surrounding it.