ABSTRACT
The City of Paris authorities have a long-term vision and strategy for creating a sustainable city. They have made the creation of affordable housing one of their public policy priorities. As an example of the kind of operation being targeted, Paris Habitat, the City’s main operator in this area, is creating 600 new accommodation units and public facilities on the site of the Reuilly army barracks in the heart of the city. This operation affords an opportunity to consider the French funding model for social and affordable housing. However, it also illustrates the considerable challenges to be overcome to successfully carry out such a project in one of the world’s densest capital cities. The emphasis in this award-winning project of adaptive reuse of heritage resources is on excellent cooperation, environmental innovation and a desire to ensure it encompasses the goals of a resilient city.
