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 de la Villette

Paris

France

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

One of Paris's modern parks, built in 1987 on the site of a disused industrial site -- at 86 acres this is the largest green space in Paris.

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

Famous for its grid of red "follies," Parc de la Villette is a case study in how not to design a park. Human use seems to have been a very low priority for architect Bernard Tschumi, who envisioned this park as an exercise in deconstructionist technique. The result is a dull landscape that substitutes absurd sculpture and disproportionately scaled structures for playfulness and variety. Once the novelty of the structures wears off, there is little to sustain one's interest or imagination, although the dense programming offsets the inhumanity of the surroundings to a certain extent.

Access & Linkages

Comfort & Image

Uses & Activities

Sociability

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Designed by Bernard Tschumi as a "21st century garden" the garden links the Cite des Sciences to the north and the Cite de la Musique and the Parisian National Conservatory of Music and Dance to the south. The park holds a number of cultural events, including cinema, theater, dance, music, puppetry, circus, cabaret and street theater. The garden consist of a series of theme gardens: mirrors, dunes, play, shadows, bamboo, mists, trellised vines, movements, balance, islands, childrens fears and dragons.

Related Links & Sources

Parc de la Villette
Parc de la Villette
Parc de la Villette
Parc de la Villette
Parc de la Villette
Parc de la Villette
Parc de la Villette
Parc de la Villette

*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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