building to keep the wild natural landscape: a garden city proposal by rescubika

paris based studio rescubika presents its latest eye-catching architecture concept, this time questioning what the city of tomorrow will look like. the proposal is titled ‘the garden city of the crescent moon’ and it takes us to a site in the bois de vincennes — a large public park on the eastern fringes of paris. the architectural study explores how new health, ecological, energy, climate and sociological challenges will push architects to reinvent urban environments.

images by rescubika

‘through several case studies, we will develop our vision of the new architecture as a response to the unconscious demand of modern society’,  says rescubika. ‘can contemporary architecture still provide solutions to the well-being of humanity? in short, does the architect today have the means to cure the evils of society? can he have a humanist role in building works for others and no longer in the sole purpose of satisfying his excessive ego?’

the garden city of the crescent moon is sited on lac des minimes and it follows the natural arc of the lake, as well as the existing islands. rescubika describes the two themes of the prospective design as ‘proximity’ and ‘instantaneity’. the theme of proximity is all about urban agriculture, allowing inhabitants to cultivate food within the city. yards, roofs and even public places are imagined as spaces to grow basic commodities such as corn, beans as well as herbs and spices. cattle breeding and dairy production activities are also located directly in the town.

rescubika prioritizes urban agriculture for several advantages. economically, urban agriculture affords the creation of local shops as well as income supplements (and food supply) for the family. it also makes it possible to reduce the costs of waste recovery but especially those of transport. for the environment, urban agriculture reduces air pollution, CO2 and carbon emissions. it improves soil quality and reduces transport and packaging. some organic waste is recycled. urban agriculture also makes it possible to raise public awareness of the environment. it facilitates intergenerational and intercultural exchanges. now it can be a hobby. it makes it possible to grow food of good quality more accessible by reducing their cost. it allows cohesion and a spirit of community.

the idea of instantaneity is purely related to being able to enjoy urban facilities. beyond enjoying it, the goal is to rediscover the notion of time, urban activities are linked to time. rescubika has therefore integrated housing, office, sports and cultural facilities to ensure the wellbeing of the city and its inhabitants. 

in terms of pure architectural intent, the architects have imagined landscaped buildings. terrace roofs become the fifth façade of the building, which will be embellished with a real landscape rhythmic of water point and houses such as urban greenhouses. this urban silhouette takes the form of canyons that naturally air the city, opening up visual perspectives. this environment is designed to reduce wasted time and promote activity while reducing the stress of travel.

‘we know the story, we don’t deny it, or we don’t destroy it either, we try to improve the urban by transforming it, adapting it to our new way of living the city,’  says rescubika. ‘in conclusion, this urban project will take place outside the old city, it will take birth in the heart of the forest, itself created by man for man.’

project info:

name: crescent moon

architecture office: rescubika

lead architect: benoit patterlini

status: concept

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom