Parvis Matabiau
The Historical Square is a multi-purpose urban space, but above all, it represents the gateway to Toulouse and should be well taken care of. It serves as both a thoroughfare and a transit space for numerous travelers. The project also transforms it into a place for contemplating the Canal du Midi.
The Historical Square is envisioned as a unified space with a complementary yet distinct vegetation from that of the Canal du Midi. As a strategic location along the canal, a specific design is proposed. An arrangement of oak and magnolia trees will punctuate the square. The smaller trees will not compete with the majestic trees of the canal. This planting will provide shaded areas, enliven the square, frame new perspectives of the train station, and identify points of intensity.
The Historical Square should cater to the needs and users. It must ensure maximum comfort in its primary functions but also allow for temporary stays and accommodate other, less functional uses.
The already partially open section of the Canal du Midi with its concrete beams will be covered with a wooden skin, enabling pedestrian transit and rediscovery of the canal. This simple yet powerful gesture clarifies the space and creates a new perspective on the Canal du Midi, offering a breath of fresh air in the city. This transformation provides a new viewpoint of the canal, highlighting its heritage.
The large semi-circular wooden bench "touches" the historic railing and allows for contemplation of the canal, offering a unique vantage point. A new belvedere overlooking the canal and the lock is thus created. It is a lightweight and possibly temporary solution to allow sufficient time for studying a fully definitive redevelopment of the lock.
The Historical Square is a multi-purpose urban space, but above all, it represents the gateway to Toulouse and should be well taken care of. It serves as both a thoroughfare and a transit space for numerous travelers. The project also transforms it into a place for contemplating the Canal du Midi.
The Historical Square is envisioned as a unified space with a complementary yet distinct vegetation from that of the Canal du Midi. As a strategic location along the canal, a specific design is proposed. An arrangement of oak and magnolia trees will punctuate the square. The smaller trees will not compete with the majestic trees of the canal. This planting will provide shaded areas, enliven the square, frame new perspectives of the train station, and identify points of intensity.
The Historical Square should cater to the needs and users. It must ensure maximum comfort in its primary functions but also allow for temporary stays and accommodate other, less functional uses.
The already partially open section of the Canal du Midi with its concrete beams will be covered with a wooden skin, enabling pedestrian transit and rediscovery of the canal. This simple yet powerful gesture clarifies the space and creates a new perspective on the Canal du Midi, offering a breath of fresh air in the city. This transformation provides a new viewpoint of the canal, highlighting its heritage.
The large semi-circular wooden bench «touches» the historic railing and allows for contemplation of the canal, offering a unique vantage point. A new belvedere overlooking the canal and the lock is thus created. It is a lightweight and possibly temporary solution to allow sufficient time for studying a fully definitive redevelopment of the lock.