Apur interactive map on the evolution of social housing, Paris

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Apur interactive map on the evolution of social housing, Paris

Policies and regulations Governance Data and monitoring Public-private initiatives Participatory processes

Main objectives of the project

Apur has developed an interactive map enabling citizens to monitor the evolution and development of social housing in Paris. The primary objective is to track progress towards achieving the city's goal of reaching 25% of rented social housing by 2025. This tool empowers citizens to visualize the distribution and growth of social housing units across different areas of Paris, providing transparency and accountability in the city's urban development initiatives.

Date

  • 2019: Implementation

Stakeholders

  • Apur

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Paris
Country/Region: France, Paris

Description

Apur, the Paris Urbanism Agency, is a non-profit association established in 1967 that brings together 29 partners. It serves as a collaborative platform for forward-looking, multi-scale studies, documenting, analyzing, and envisioning the urban and societal evolution of Paris, the 12 areas covered by Greater Paris Public Territorial Establishments, and the Grand Paris Metropolis as a whole.

Apur offers a tool that allows users to track the evolution of the number of social housing units, as defined by the SRU law, in Paris and in each district from 2001 to 2019, based on official counts. According to the SRU law, social housing units are counted annually by the State and the City of Paris. The law sets a goal for Paris to have 25% of rented social housing among main residences by 2025. As of January 1, 2019 (the latest official count), 21.4% of Parisian main residences were social housing as defined by the SRU law, compared to 13.44% on January 1, 2001, the first year the SRU law was implemented.

The tool also provides access to the locations of all social housing production operations financed between 2001 and 2018. During this period, over 104,484 social housing units were financed in Paris, with 6,257 of these being new social housing units financed in 2018 alone.

Système d'information géographique de la politique de la ville

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Système d'information géographique de la politique de la ville

Mismatches Vulnerable groups
Policies and regulations Governance Data and monitoring Evaluation and impact

Main objectives of the project

The "SIG de la politique de la ville" is an advanced online atlas that provides detailed statistical data and monitors policy implementation in France's priority urban regeneration neighborhoods, ensuring effective tracking of housing affordability and urban deprivation.

Date

  • 2015: Implementation

Stakeholders

  • Ministère de la Transition écologique et de la Cohésion des territoires
  • Agence nationale de la cohésion des territoires

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: France

Description

France has long recognized the challenges faced by its vulnerable urban areas and has taken proactive measures to ensure housing affordability while addressing the social issues in its most deprived neighborhoods. To effectively implement these measures, access to reliable information is crucial. This need led to the creation of the “SIG de la politique de la ville.”

The “SIG de la politique de la ville” is an online atlas that compiles statistical and policy information about the “quartiers prioritaires de la politique de la ville” (Priority Zones for City Policies). These are areas identified for active urban regeneration policies.

Before 2014, two distinct urban policy priority areas coexisted: the regulatory area, which generated tax benefits (known as the ZUS area), and the contractual area, which generated funding (or “Cucs” area). These intervention methods did not necessarily overlap. The law on programming for cities and urban cohesion, enacted on February 21, 2014, reformed the geographic prioritization of urban policy. Using income as the sole criterion, new priority neighborhoods were identified in mainland France, La Réunion, and Martinique through a detailed territorial grid. This method was adapted for the overseas territories and revised in 2024.

As a result, 200 priority neighborhoods were identified by the decree of March 27, 2015, focusing on areas with significant urban dysfunctions, which became priorities for the new national urban renewal program. In 2024, a new delimitation process is underway.

The SIG system monitors the implementation of renewal programs and tracks the evolution of statistical data in these neighborhoods. On the website, users can select an address or region to see the priority neighborhoods within that area. By selecting these neighborhoods, users can access 1) basic statistical information on urban deprivation, 2) details of implemented plans, and 3) the progress of these plans.

This SIG tool is among the most advanced systems globally for tracking neighborhood affordability and deprivation.

Cité manifeste, Mulhouse

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Cité manifeste, Mulhouse

Mismatches Location Cultural suitability Diversity
Urban Design Urban fabrics Environments Quality Liveability Inclusion
Promotion and production Private promotion Innovation

Main objectives of the project

This project of 14 dwellings, part of a larger development of 61 units by five architectural teams, aims to provide high-quality, spacious homes at standard costs, continuing the legacy of the Mulhouse workers' housing estate. Utilizing a simple and efficient loft-inspired structure, it features a concrete post-and-beam base supporting greenhouses made of galvanized steel and transparent polycarbonate. The greenhouses include both heated and ventilated areas, incorporating bioclimatic comfort solutions. The overall volume is divided into 14 duplex apartments, each benefiting from the unique and varied spatial qualities of the design.

Date

  • 2005: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Architect: Lacaton & Vassal architectes

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Mulhouse
Country/Region: France, Mulhouse

Description

This project of 14 dwellings is part of a larger development of 61 units, designed by five teams of architects, continuing the legacy of the Mulhouse workers' housing estate. The aim is to create high-quality homes that are significantly larger than standard ones at the same cost.

Initially, a simple, economical, and efficient structure and envelope are constructed to define, on the loft principle, a maximum open surface and volume, offering contrasting, complementary, and surprising spatial qualities. On the ground floor, a concrete post-and-beam structure supports a platform at a height of 3 meters, onto which horticultural greenhouses are affixed. The structure is made of galvanized steel, with transparent polycarbonate walls. Part of the greenhouse is insulated and heated, while the other part serves as a well-ventilated winter garden with roof and facade openings. A horizontal shade extends inside the greenhouse.

The greenhouse concept, with its automatic climate control systems, has enabled the development of bioclimatic comfort solutions. Subsequently, the volume is divided into 14 duplex apartments, each benefiting from the diverse qualities offered by the varied spaces.

Nemausus, Nîmes

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Nemausus, Nîmes

Mismatches Price Functional adequacy
Urban Design Quality Liveability Inclusion
Promotion and production Public promotion Industrialisation

Main objectives of the project

Nemausus is one of Jean Nouvel's most renowned social housing projects, created for the Délégation à l'aménagement du territoire et à l'action régionale of the Ville de Nîmes. The concept behind the building is straightforward: recognizing that there are no standard families with uniform needs and that affordability is essential for making housing accessible to all, an effective social housing project should be both flexible and cost-efficient. In the Nemausus complex, Jean Nouvel addressed these considerations by developing a construction system using prefabricated components, enabling rapid and systematic assembly. The industrial aesthetic of the exterior is mirrored inside, featuring rough concrete walls, aeronautical-style windows, metal staircases, and prefabricated panels that fit together like a Meccano set. This design approach creates a diverse range of dwellings—from studios and one-bedroom apartments to double-height units and three-bedroom triplexes—all benefiting from abundant natural light and excellent ventilation.

Date

  • 1987: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Promotor: Ville de Nîmes
  • Architect: Jean Nouvel

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: France, Nimes

Description

Nîmes is a French city located in the south near the Mediterranean Sea. The city's fame largely stems from its numerous Roman-era buildings, including amphitheaters and aqueducts. The area enjoys a favorable climate for much of the year, and its residents often utilize public spaces, spending significant time away from home. However, Nîmes also faces substantial needs for social housing.

The objective of the Nemausus housing project was to address the needs of a constantly evolving society and to construct low-cost housing. The core idea was to define what constitutes a good apartment, which, according to its architect Jean Nouvel, is simply an apartment as large as possible. A good apartment is flexible and capable of being adapted. It should be affordable in a democratic sense. And more importantly, takes into consideration the time factor: after some years, needs might change. So, the building must too.

To optimize land use, the garage floor was designed to be semi-buried, adhering to a municipal ordinance and ensuring that the parking area does not obstruct views of the complex. Nouvel designed two elongated, almost parallel, boat-shaped buildings, with one being shorter than the other. Between them is a projected park and public space, which provides a sense of ownership to the residents. The design preserved two strips of trees from an old arboretum, running the length of the complex.

The two buildings feature semi-buried ground floor parking and three upper floors of apartments. The complex includes 114 housing units, ranging from simple apartments to duplexes and triplexes (such as studios and one-bedroom units with double-height ceilings). The total habitable area is 10,400 square meters, giving an average size of 91 square meters per dwelling, which is significantly larger than traditional social housing. Access to the buildings is via stairs located in the common area, separate from each building. Elevators are situated inside each building, centrally positioned. Horizontal corridors run the length of each building, covering all three floors. These corridors are designed as "high streets," wide enough for pedestrian and bicycle travel, and serve as communal spaces for neighbor interaction and housing expansion. On the opposite side facing the street and adjacent buildings, similar corridors function as private balconies for each unit. These passages expand the living space by opening the walls outward.

In Nemausus, the architect aimed to enhance the area by maximizing natural light and airflow, addressing issues that were previously neglected or undervalued. Currently, the buildings are home to a predominantly young population, with 80% of residents under 35 years old and the oldest being 51. Among the residents, 20% are unemployed, 3% are workers, 20% are employees, 31% are middle-class or educated individuals, 19% are students, and 7% belong to other categories.

To reduce costs, the building structure was designed to be practical and rational. The two buildings are supported by columns placed every five meters, surrounding the parking area. This design decision maintains visual continuity across both sides. The load-bearing walls, dividing each apartment, rest on these columns and are consistently spaced throughout the three floors. This modular approach creates uniformity across the building, allowing different apartment types to be easily configured.

The only deviation from the five-meter wall module is in the center of each building, where two walls are positioned closer together to accommodate the elevators. The stairs are detached from each building, featuring independent steel structures connected to the horizontal corridors by bridges.

The materials used in Nemausus contribute to its distinctive, radical appearance. To save costs, Nouvel utilized industrial materials and prefabricated components that are easy to replicate and assemble.

Tete en l'air, Paris

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Tete en l'air, Paris

Mismatches Diversity Climate change
Urban Design Environments Quality Liveability Inclusion
Promotion and production Public promotion Innovation Materials Technology Industrialisation

Main objectives of the project

Innovatively merging historical preservation with modern eco-friendly construction, the project in north Paris features a revitalized historic building and a new wooden structure with a playful facade of plug-in boxes. A south-facing garden enhances community connection, while the use of sustainable wood significantly lowers the carbon footprint and construction costs. This project exemplifies how thoughtful design can create high-quality, socially inclusive housing.

Date

  • 2013: Construction
  • 2007: Ganador

Stakeholders

  • Constructor: SIEMP
  • Architect: KOZ Architectes

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Paris
Country/Region: France, Paris

Description

The project is situated in an old working-class neighborhood in the north of Paris on a deep and narrow plot. The preexisting building in the plot were in very poor condition. However, the brief required preserving the building on the street to retain its picturesque charm. There was a sense that the area had a rich and vibrant social life, which inspired the studio to maintain the original structure. Thus, the building serves as an example of how to create a disruptive social housing project while preserving the spirit of the previous construction.

The first goal was to create a generous garden, open to the south. This garden lies along the natural path of the inhabitants and acts as an intermediate space between the street and the privacy of their homes. All the apartment living rooms open onto this garden, connecting residents to this small piece of urban nature and fostering a sense of community. The existing building on the street side was completely renovated to meet modern living standards. It also gained a double-height porch to provide views of the garden from the street and to allow access during the construction of the new building along the garden.

The new section of the building is constructed entirely of wood, reflecting the studio's strong belief in the material's unmatched ecological and aesthetic benefits. From the ground to the roof, new solutions were devised to address structural, acoustic, and fire safety issues. This high-tech use of a low-tech material significantly surpasses current environmental standards. Despite the strict discipline required for wood construction, the playful arrangement of the plug-in wood boxes on the facade disrupts the rational order, giving the building a spontaneous character. The random positioning of the boxes makes each apartment layout unique and versatile, suitable for uses beyond bedrooms, such as home offices or gym rooms. Small courtyards at the rear provide private gardens on the ground floor and bring natural light into all the bathrooms, adding extra comfort and a home-like quality of life.

The distinctive wooden cladding further breaks up the perception of the building's volume, giving it a quiet tone and highlighting the tactile quality of the rough natural wood. This helps blend the architecture with the garden, which features an undulating wooden path and terrace, delicate trees, and a meadow of wildflowers. The garden becomes an open-air room, welcoming the small community of residents. Ultimately, the project demonstrates that social housing can promote small-scale, sensitive utopias of well-being and pride.

In conclusion, the project highlights the significant ecological and economic advantages of using wood for social housing construction. The choice of wood not only offers unparalleled environmental benefits by utilizing a renewable resource but also enhances the aesthetic and structural quality of the buildings. This sustainable approach significantly reduces the overall carbon footprint and meets stringent environmental standards. Additionally, wood construction proves to be cost-effective, allowing for innovative design solutions that promote a sense of community and well-being among residents. The project exemplifies how sustainable and affordable materials can be used to create high-quality, socially inclusive housing, setting a precedent for future developments in the sector. Moreover, it is done with a disruptive design, unusual in social housing projects.

Ivry-sur-Seine, Paris

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Ivry-sur-Seine, Paris

Mismatches Location
Urban Design Environments Quality Liveability
Promotion and production Public promotion Industrialisation

Main objectives of the project

The Ivry-sur-Seine residential complex, built between 1969 and 1975, stands out for its innovative design, challenging conventional urban norms. Designed by Gailhoutet and Renaudie, the complex features a pyramid-like structure comprising eight buildings, with three notable ones named after historical figures. Characterized by sharp angles, exposed concrete, and a mix of public and private spaces, the complex defies the "brutalist" label, instead offering a fresh and unique urban environment. Its design incorporates mixed public and private spaces, utilizing elevated walkways and greenery-covered platforms to blend nature with architecture.

Date

  • 1975: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Architect: Jean Renaudie
  • Architect: Renée Gailhoutet

Location

City: Paris
Country/Region: France, Paris

Description

Located in the close suburbs of Paris, the Ivry-complex, built from 1969 to 1975 as part of the "Opération Jeanne-Hachette," challenges conventional urban design with its alternative approach. Comprising eight buildings, the complex, known as "Les Etoiles," was conceived by Gailhoutet and Renaudie. It encompasses 40 social dwellings, offices, and stores, arranged in a pyramid-like structure, integrating different levels.

Among the eight buildings, three stand out: Danielle Casanova, Jeanne Hachette, and Jean-Baptiste Clément, named after notable figures. Renaudie and Gailhoutet's collaboration is evident in these structures, characterized by sharp angles, exposed concrete, and a mix of public and private spaces, showcasing Renaudie's vision of unique urban spaces.

While termed "brutalist," the Ivry-complex defies such categorization, maintaining its freshness even after nearly four decades. Its innovative design incorporates mixed public and private spaces, utilizing the third dimension with elevated walkways and greenery-covered platforms. This approach, utilizing triangles and green elements, aims to blend nature with architecture, creating a labyrinthine yet inviting environment.

Integral to the complex is its ground design, blending continuity with discontinuity. Streets permeate the buildings via interior or exterior pathways, while terraces and rooftops feature cultivable earth, hosting vegetation. This departure from the podium model, prevalent at the time, sets the Ivry-complex apart, offering autonomy to each ground fragment and varying heights.

The Place Voltaire, an octagonal square formed by Renaudie's buildings and a library honoring Antonin Artaud, serves as a vibrant public space. It caters to both residents and visitors, hosting gatherings and providing access to the subway station.

Beyond its immediate surroundings, the Ivry-complex has influenced urban development. Gailhoutet and Renaudie's methods have been replicated in subsequent projects, such as those in Saint Denis, Givors, and Saint-Martin-d’Hères, showcasing the uniqueness of each space while challenging conventional urban norms. This emphasis on creativity in suburban areas contrasts with the rigid urban schemes of central Paris, highlighting the potential of the banlieues as centers of innovation and design.

Village Vertical, Villeurbanne, France

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Village Vertical, Villeurbanne, France

Mismatches Vulnerable groups
Promotion and production Public-private partnerships Self-management Self-promotion Cooperatives
Ownership and tenure Shared ownership Protection of social housing

Main objectives of the project

Initiated in the fall of 2005, the Village Vertical became a reality in June 2013 when 14 households, members of our variable capital cooperative established in December 2010, moved in. These households, from diverse backgrounds, collaborated to bring the project to fruition.Each household resides in an eco-friendly building they helped design, sharing certain spaces and resources to foster genuine neighborhood solidarity. This human-scale project integrates conviviality, responsibility, savings, mutual aid, ecology, and democracy. As the collective sole owner of the building, each household rents its unit within a democratic management framework that prohibits speculation and profit.

Date

  • 2013: Construction
  • 2005: En proceso

Stakeholders

  • Promotor: Village Vertical Coop.
  • Promotor: HLM Rhône Saône Habitat
  • Architect: Détry-Lévy
  • Architect: Arbor&Sens
  • AILOJ
  • Habicoop

Location

Country/Region: France, Lyon

Description

The project began in 2005 when a group of four individuals sought to address their housing issues by designing a residents' cooperative. Only one couple from the original group remained until the project's completion, with others joining along the way. Initially, they attempted to acquire and convert existing buildings, such as an old factory, but abandoned this plan due to the volatile real estate market. To become more organized, they formed an association and dedicated several hours weekly to project development, including regular and thematic meetings focused on architecture, financing, and legal matters. In 2006, Habicoop approached the association, asking them to lead the cooperative housing movement in France. This partnership helped them secure a collaboration with HLM Rhône Saône Habitat, which enabled them to obtain land with support from Greater Lyon and Villeurbanne. By 2008, the land was secured, and discussions with architects Arbor&Sens and Détry-Lévy began. To ensure financial feasibility, two-thirds of the housing was allocated for home ownership, and one-third was designated for the "village." The building permit was obtained in 2010, and the association of future residents transformed into a cooperative. Habicoop devised a legal framework to compensate for the lack of formal recognition of residents' cooperatives, which was only established by the Alur law in 2014. From the start of construction in 2011 to the building's completion in 2013, residents ensured adherence to ecological standards. The artisans and architects, accustomed to traditional roles, were encouraged to adapt their approaches to the collaborative environment. Other partners, like AILOJ, which supports young people in integration, also joined the project.

Numerous contributors made the cooperative possible. Habicoop provided project management assistance, as well as legal and financial support. Architects Arbor&Sens and Détry-Lévy co-designed the project with residents. HLM Rhône Saône Habitat handled construction and financial backing. AILOJ managed the social housing units for young people in integration. Villeurbanne and Greater Lyon sold the land, with the Region granting a subsidy of 4,000 euros per unit. The Vertical Village is part of the social and solidarity economy movement, partnering with Enercoop for renewable energy, Miecyclette for organic bread delivery, Arbralégumes for organic produce, and Prairial for grocery deliveries.

Since there was no legal status for housing cooperatives in France before 2014, the Village Vertical operates as a "cooperative company with simplified shares and variable capital" with an initial capital of €380K. Residents collectively own the building and rent their units from the cooperative. Once the loan is repaid, an annuity can be distributed to them and their heirs. The social housing within the building is managed by HLM but will revert to the Village after 20 years.

The building houses 34 units, 14 of which belong to the Village Vertical: two T1s for young people in integration, five T2s, two T3s, two T4s, and three T5s. Shared amenities include a laundry room, a common room with a kitchen, and a vegetable garden. The building is energy-efficient with wooden facades, a photovoltaic roof, and a wood-fired boiler. Generous common areas support the sharing of equipment and services, fostering community interaction and cooperation.

Each resident, cooperator or not, signs the Village charter, emphasizing cooperation, ecology, democracy, and a balance between individual and collective spaces. Collective ownership and decision-making are governed by a democratic process, with "one person, one vote" principle. Weekly "Vertical Thursdays" include a meeting and a shared meal for discussing issues and organizing tasks, while monthly mandatory meetings ensure task distribution. About sixty tasks are identified and assigned among residents, with larger roles shared by multiple people. Residents share household appliances and vehicles and organize group food deliveries in partnership with local cooperatives. Departing residents must resell their shares without profit, and new members are co-opted unanimously from a waiting list.

Since 2013, the "vertical villagers" have lived together according to their ecological and supportive ideals. Significant resident involvement was crucial in the building's design. Managing the cooperative demands balancing personal, professional, and community responsibilities. Young people in integration, though less involved, benefit from supportive neighbors. The village functions as a laboratory for sustainable living, sharing equipment, managing waste, cultivating a vegetable garden, and utilizing rainwater. Democratic discussions and decisions are a daily norm. Over time, outreach projects like community composting, shared gardens, and food deliveries have developed, and a Citiz car-sharing station has been established in the neighborhood thanks to the villagers' efforts.

The cooperative is non-profit, preventing real estate speculation and enabling access to property for those with limited means. It is part of the participatory housing movement, giving residents a say in their housing's design and management. Sharing spaces fosters solidarity and reciprocity within the community.

The project's success relied heavily on the support of partners like Habicoop and Rhône Saône Habitat, and the residents' determination was crucial for maintaining its ecological focus. Effective communication and mutual understanding among the various contributors were essential. Learning to co-manage the project was vital for both residents and professionals. Ultimately, establishing democratic processes and balancing collective and private life have ensured the cooperative's ongoing viability and functionality.

Solidarités Nouvelles pour le Logement (SNL) strategies to provide affordable housing (France)

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Solidarités Nouvelles pour le Logement (SNL) strategies to provide affordable housing (France)

Mismatches Segregation Vulnerable groups
Policies and regulations National policies Local policies Regulation Global frameworks Governance Public-private initiatives Participatory processes
Financing Financial actors Cultural actors Public-private collaboration
Promotion and production Public-private partnerships Private promotion Progressive housing

Main objectives of the project

SNL's housing initiatives exhibit a diverse range of strategies, from prioritizing access to properties by transforming them into affordable housing in small towns, to securing long-term housing solutions in urban areas like Paris through partnerships with private investors and legal frameworks, and employing specific lease mechanisms for sustainable refurbishment efforts.

Date

  • 1988: Implementation

Stakeholders

  • SNL

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: France

Description

The French government estimates a need for 500,000 new housing units to address housing demands adequately, yet only around 350,000 units are constructed annually. Despite municipalities being obligated to provide social housing, this obligation is not consistently met, resulting in a shortage of affordable homes. Additionally, some properties remain vacant due to owners being dissuaded from renting them out because of taxation concerns.

Solidarités Nouvelles pour le Logement (SNL) addresses these challenges by providing temporary housing to vulnerable households and supporting them until they can secure permanent accommodation. In 2018, SNL housed 2,894 individuals, including 1,285 children, many of whom were previously homeless or living in inadequate conditions. SNL operates through SNL-Prologues, a real estate social enterprise that acquires, renovates, and manages properties for housing vulnerable families. SNL-Prologues, as a social economy cooperative, has opened its capital to social savings funds and private investors and is exempt from certain taxes due to its social mission.

One of SNL's strategies involves collaborating with local authorities to acquire properties rented with low-comfort features, converting them into decent and affordable housing.
For instance, in a small town where affordable housing was scarce, SNL successfully lobbied the local government to grant them the right of first refusal for a property unlawfully rented by slumlords. By persuading the municipality to address the needs of the households affected, SNL gained priority access to acquire the property. This allowed SNL to transform it into decent and highly affordable housing for five families, preventing it from being acquired by another investor. In Paris, SNL utilizes legal frameworks to partner with private investors, securing housing for vulnerable households through innovative financial arrangements and subsidies. Under this arrangement, private investors grant SNL-Prologues the usufruct right, enabling SNL-Prologues to rent the property for a specified period. Through financing of €150,000, sourced from subsidies provided by local authorities and NGOs, SNL is poised to accommodate vulnerable households in six affordable dwellings for a duration of 20 years. Additionally, in Paris, SNL utilized a specific lease mechanism known as "bail à réhabilitation" (renovation lease) to temporarily assume ownership of a 110 m2 apartment in the city center. Through extensive refurbishment efforts, SNL reduced the property's energy consumption by 35% and subdivided it into two smaller apartments suitable for two formerly homeless families. The property owner benefits from tax incentives associated with renting under this status, and upon the lease's expiration in 18 years, they will regain possession of a refurbished property.

SNL's efforts result in significant social impact, with 97% of individuals transitioning to permanent housing after an average stay of three years in SNL-provided accommodation. The average annual cost per dwelling, including acquisition and renovation, is €3,660, with funding sourced from rent payments (32%), public subsidies (50%), and private philanthropy (16%). Notably, the cost of housing a family in a hotel room is significantly higher at €6,240 per year, underscoring the cost-effectiveness of SNL's approach.

Strasbourg strategy against empty houses

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Strasbourg strategy against empty houses

Mismatches Vacant housing
Policies and regulations Global frameworks Governance Data and monitoring Evaluation and impact
Financing

Main objectives of the project

Addressing housing concerns encompasses not only individuals without homes but also properties without occupants. In response, Strasbourg Eurométropole (Metropolitan Area of Strasbourg) initiated a strategic approach aimed at transforming vacant dwellings into accessible housing options. This initiative reflects a meticulously devised policy grounded in comprehensive data and knowledge, designed to bolster the city's social housing sector while providing viable solutions for owners of unoccupied properties.

Date

  • 2015: Implementation

Stakeholders

  • Strasbourg Eurométropole

Location

Continent: Europe
Country/Region: France, Strasbourg

Description

Strasbourg recognized the pressing issue surrounding vacant housing: many properties could easily be repurposed into social rental units. However, understanding why these properties remained unoccupied proved challenging. Thus, an assessment program was initiated. Leveraging the Ministry of Economy and Finance's list of vacant homes, city hall corresponded with listed owners, arranging interviews to delve into the reasons behind the vacancy. The focus was primarily on small landlords, who often cited concerns such as unpaid rent, property degradation, and cumbersome administrative procedures as deterrents to renting out their properties. The result of the meeting was that the existing systems lacked clarity, exacerbating the situation. Some owners had previously rented out their properties but encountered difficulties, ranging from tenant disputes to necessary but unaffordable building repairs.

Armed with insights into the issue, the city swiftly moved toward solutions. A comprehensive 'toolbox' was developed, comprising easily understandable documents and accessible financial assistance to guide owners through their options. Free advice is now available, covering property valuation, heritage significance assessment, and eligibility for grants. The National Habitat Agency steps in to assist landlords in connecting with new tenants or mediating disputes with existing ones.

To incentivize owners to make their properties available for social housing, the Eurometropole offers grants of up to €3,000. This incentive, disbursed on a 'half now, half later' basis, provides €1,500 upon removing the property from vacancy and offering it for social housing, with an additional €1,500 granted if the tenancy lasts at least two years. Each municipality within Strasbourg Eurometropole manages the disbursement, tailoring the system to local needs.

Furthermore, the city negotiated preferential rates with banks, resulting in zero-interest loans for owners undertaking building improvements to make their properties tenant-ready. To assist owners in finding suitable contractors, the city compiled a categorized list of companies operating in various service areas.

These initiatives aimed at small landlords are driving an increase in affordable rents while aiding struggling families in managing their real estate assets. Since May 2016, the Eurometropole has spent €320,000 (€1400 per dwelling). It has mobilised 230 vacant dwellings (all rented at social rental rates), 87 of which were rented through rental intermediation (40%). Ten municipalities are involved and over 500 landlords have been met.

Caserne de Reuilly

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Caserne de Reuilly

Mismatches Services Diversity
Urban Design Environments Liveability
Promotion and production Public promotion
Ownership and tenure

Main objectives of the project

The Caserne de Reuilly stands as a flagship urban renewal endeavor aimed at providing accessible housing solutions in the heart of Paris. As an integral component of the city's sustainable development strategy, this initiative marks a significant shift in repurposing former military infrastructure for social good. Under the joint efforts of the public housing entity Paris Habitat, municipal authorities, the State, and local stakeholders, the barracks underwent a comprehensive revitalization process, prioritizing circularity principles while preserving its historical significance. Amidst the backdrop of Paris' dense urban landscape, the transformation of Reuilly has not only addressed the shortage of affordable housing but also cultivated a diverse and inclusive community. Now encompassing a mix of affordable residences, student accommodations, childcare facilities, green spaces, and commercial establishments, the area has been transformed from a vacant lot into a thriving neighborhood, embodying the city's commitment to sustainable urban development.

Date

  • 2019: Construction

Stakeholders

  • Promotor: Paris Habitat
  • Architect: NP2F
  • Architect: Lin Architects Urbanists
  • Architect: Mir Architectes
  • Architect: Charles-Henri Tachon
  • Architect: LACROIX CHESSEX

Location

Continent: Europe
City: Paris
Country/Region: France, Paris

Description

The history of the Caserne de Reuilly dates back to the 17th century, but by the early 21st century, the barracks were in dire need of refurbishment. Consequently, the city of Paris acquired the land from the Defense Ministry with the aim of rejuvenating the area. Collaborating with Paris Habitat, the site underwent a transformation into a new neighborhood featuring social housing, university residences, and commercial zones. The overarching goal was to preserve the historical character while introducing new spaces, fostering a diverse and mixed-use community. In total, the development comprises 582 housing units.

Paris Habitat demonstrated pioneering efforts by integrating the reuse of materials into the project. For instance, lighting fixtures, slates, and paving stones from the barracks were repurposed on-site. In addition to refurbishing the old barracks, new buildings were erected, such as those along Diderot Boulevard, which harmoniously blend with the existing architecture. These buildings incorporate 79 dwellings, a childcare facility, a public parking lot, and commercial spaces. The architectural design responds directly to the surrounding context while embracing contemporary elements, contributing to the coherence of the neighborhood. Addressing the space between the fire station, Reuilly barracks, and the new construction was a key challenge. The proposed structure aims to reconcile various geometries, resulting in a complex yet cohesive architectural form characterized by terraces and indentations. The inclusion of a square between the buildings encourages social interaction, while the lower volume's roof serves as a playground for the childcare facility, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.

Similarly, the residential building known as plot B1, comprising 22 housing units, serves as an entry point to the barracks complex. Its colorful façade distinguishes it from the rest of the development while maintaining overall harmony, serving as a visible and inviting gateway to the barracks.

In essence, the new complex exemplifies how to create affordable housing while preserving public ownership, employing high-quality architecture, and embracing a variety of housing typologies to nurture a diverse and inclusive community.