Business districts, the hub of urban ventures

Reconciling sustainable development, architectural coherence
and accessibility
Business district development must meet the challenges of sustainable development, without overlooking the importance of urban planning, so that everyone finds his place in this environment. By its very nature, La Défense has to strive towards ensuring that this district, along with the world's other business districts, follows sustainable planning policies that enable living space, office space, retail outlets and public areas to cohabit in harmony. Moreover, transportation policy for these districts must be matched to the flow of workers and open up the districts, so that they become accessible to all.

Creating live-wire districts
Desegregation within business districts is vital, not only for daily life but also for attracting new investors. Manhattan is the most representative business district in this regard. At La Défense, a bustling promenade, lined with shops and restaurants, could create continuity between the district and Paris itself. In fact, the business district must be a lively space both day and night, thanks to the creation of cultural venues and events. We have witnessed an initial step in this direction in Paris with La Grande Arche opening the district up to other publics.

Sustainable development on a daily basis
Desegregation in business districts forms an integral part of three sustainable development focuses, i.e. economic, societal and environmental. Some districts have pushed the sustainable development envelope even further. For example, the city of Seville has attempted to combine these three focuses by creating an "urban mobility project" in the city centre. In fact, almost all the streets have been transformed into pedestrian thoroughfares and the city has Spain's largest network of cycling paths. In Buenos Aires, the business distinct has been built in a derelict port area, with conviviality as the overarching development criterion. As a result, offices cohabit with environmental protection areas or leisure parks linked by non-polluting public transportation systems. Here again we can see that the transportation issue is fundamental to business districts where the pace of life depends on frequent journeys.

Download the synthesis of the round table.

Speakers

Pilar APARICIO DELGADO

Roland CASTRO
Architect Urban planner, Atelier Castro Denisoff Casi Architecture et Urbanisme - Read more

Thierry COURRAULT

Jean-Yves DURANCE

President of the Society of La Defense Users, Vice-President of Paris Chamber of Commerce - Read more

Rafaele TRAPASSO

Administrator Economist, Urban development Programme - Read more