Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

Parc Des Buttes-Chaumont

Paris

France

Contributed by 
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
August 20, 2002
May 1, 2024

A verdant park built upon the hillside, with meandering paths, and grottos, a lake, cascading water fall with a suspension bridge and the famous "pont des suicides."

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

The amenities of this graceful park include a boat rental upon a lake, horse and donkey rides, a cafe with an outdoor terrace, a roller rink, playgrounds and swing sets, performers and marionettes. The landscape was built to exaggerate natural features such as cliffs and waterfalls, giving the park a mythological quality. Details like concrete handrails molded to look like wooden logs attest to the quality craftsmanship that went into this park.

Access & Linkages

Comfort & Image

Uses & Activities

Sociability

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Annexed from the local district, a slum at that time, by Napoleon III the park was intended to rehabilitate the area. Napoleon III was an advocate of green open spaces, and in seventeen years 4,950 acres of woods, parks and gardens were laid out and 600,000 trees planted. Envisioned by Baron Haussman, this is one of Paris's most picturesque landscaped parks. The grottos, lakes and embankments are man made--the results of dynamite charges. Haussman also designed the Montsouris gardens in the south to be a replica of Le Parc Des Buttes-Chaumont.

Related Links & Sources

Parc Des Buttes-Chaumont
Parc Des Buttes-Chaumont
Parc Des Buttes-Chaumont
Parc Des Buttes-Chaumont
Parc Des Buttes-Chaumont
Parc Des Buttes-Chaumont
Parc Des Buttes-Chaumont
Parc Des Buttes-Chaumont

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

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