For the 3rd edition of the public furniture biennale ‘Forme Publique’, located in the Parisian business district la Défense, Compagnie des Rues designed ‘La Rue des Utopies’, offering a moment of seclusion and contemplation to the users of the esplanade. Climbing along the elevated walk, visitors find themselves nestled amongst the grove of existing lime trees.

The concept here was simple: to offer a completely new experience of the city only a few meters above the familiar ground plane. Users of the business district accustomed to the ubiquitous grey color scale, strict lines, and hard angles are invited to enter for a moment and rediscover their surroundings. The elevation enables them to leave this world behind and wander through the crown of the trees; enjoying their shady foliage and awakening their senses.

Traversing some sixty metres, the wooden promenade by Compagnie des Rues also invites the eye to open up to new perspectives and offers a well-deserved break from hectic schedules. The elevated view of the esplanade reveals the monumentality of the grande arche from another angle, whilst further along the path two shelters invite opportunities for solitary contemplation or group discussions.

The intentionally human scale of the installation allows the users to make the transition from global to local: stealing away from the hypercity to a more natural habitat.
Design: Compagnie des Rues
Photography: Cyrille Lallement

http://www.designboom.com/design/compagnie-des-rues-la-rue-des-utopies-paris-09-05-2016/