At the Palais Lantivy in Ajaccio, thirteen students from the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture (ENSA) in Nantes recently showcased their vision of the territory of the community of communes of Marana-Golo. This event, orchestrated by the Urban Planning and Energy Agency (AUE), the Architecture Urban Planning Environment Council (CAUE) and the Maison de l’Architecture de la Corse, united elected officials, urban planning professionals, and local stakeholders to discover the students’ innovative proposals, the culmination of several months of immersive work in the field.
Revitalization initiatives to energize and create connections
Since last March, these architecture students have abandoned their academic pursuits to immerse themselves in the territory of Marana-Golo. For three months, they worked tirelessly on sketches and models, ultimately unveiling their work during a meeting that brought together local elected officials, local stakeholders, and urban planning and energy professionals. The students proposed pioneering solutions, seamlessly integrating aesthetics, functionality, and environmental stewardship. Among their ideas: the creation of urban centers, swimming pools, cinemas, exhibition galleries, or even shared gardens to revitalize the surroundings of stations and the most remote villages… A Nantes student elaborated, “Our objective is to culturally revitalize villages and establish connections between them. With regards to station renovations, we aim to create a new dynamic for travel, as Corsicans are heavily reliant on automobiles. We strive to develop interconnected urban centers to facilitate mobility between stations and communities. Each project incorporates artistic, cultural, ecological aspects, and resident participation, with the goal of creating vibrant and sustainable spaces. Although landscapes possess immense potential, they lack the necessary infrastructure to support them.”
An intergenerational perspective on the future of rural areas
This initiative is part of a broader framework for harmonious and sustainable development in Corsica, reflecting the desire to engage younger generations in designing concrete and innovative solutions for the future of island territories. Michelle Barbe, president of the Maison de l’Architecture de Corse, emphasized the significance of intergenerational thinking. “These students, who will be 50 years old in 2050, will bring a fresh perspective to the challenges of tomorrow,” she stated during the meeting’s opening. “They will experience urban transformations, climate shifts, and their approach to addressing these challenges will differ from that of seasoned experts. This young generation is concretely tackling the challenges of tomorrow, particularly in rural areas.” After presenting their projects, the 13 ENSA students, cognizant of budgetary constraints, remained optimistic. “Our projects are deeply rooted in the territory. We engaged with local stakeholders and discovered the region, enabling us to propose practical and concrete solutions. Our goal is not necessarily to implement the projects immediately but to provide avenues for reflection,” one of them noted. Jean-Marc Mattei, Mayor of Scolca and the sole representative of the community of communes of Marana-Golo present, concluded at the end of the presentation: “Among your projects, there are some that are already under discussion. We will be in touch with you because what you proposed today is highly intriguing. Your work has given rise to innovative ideas. We will need your expertise.”
Revitalizing the Territory of Marana-Golo: A Beacon of Hope for Rural Corsica
In a remarkable display of innovation and dedication, thirteen students from the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture (ENSA) in Nantes recently unveiled their vision for the territory of the community of communes of Marana-Golo. This event, held at the Palais Lantivy in Ajaccio, was a testament to the power of collaborative thinking and the potential for revitalization in rural Corsica.
For three months, these architecture students immersed themselves in the territory of Marana-Golo, working tirelessly to develop pioneering solutions that integrated aesthetics, functionality, and environmental stewardship. Their proposals, showcased during the event, included the creation of urban centers, swimming pools, cinemas, exhibition galleries, and shared gardens. These innovative ideas aimed to revitalize the surroundings of stations and the most remote villages, establishing connections between them and fostering a new dynamic for travel.
As one of the students from Nantes eloquently put it, “Our objective is to culturally revitalize villages and establish connections between them. With regards to station renovations, we aim to create a new dynamic for travel, as Corsicans are heavily reliant on automobiles.” This statement highlights the students’ commitment to understanding the local context and developing solutions that cater to the needs of the community.
The event, orchestrated by the Urban Planning and Energy Agency (AUE), the Architecture Urban Planning Environment Council (CAUE), and the Maison de l’Architecture de la Corse, brought together local elected officials, urban planning professionals, and stakeholders. This collaboration is a crucial step towards realizing the students’ vision, as it acknowledges the importance of revitalizing rural areas and promoting sustainable development.
The region of Marana-Golo has already seen efforts towards revitalization, as evident from the CRTE (Contract for the Revitalization of the Territory) signed between the State, Marana-Golo, and the CA de Bastia [[2]]. This contract aims to foster investment and accompany local projects, demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting rural development.
Furthermore, the Golo River, which runs through the region, has been the subject of several academic studies [[3]]. These research efforts highlight the importance of understanding the local environment and its impact on the community, echoing the students’ focus on environmental stewardship in their proposals.
the event at the Palais Lantivy in Ajaccio marks a significant step towards revitalizing the territory of Marana-Golo. The students’ innovative ideas, coupled with the collaboration between local stakeholders and government agencies, offer a beacon of hope for rural Corsica. As the region continues to develop, it is essential to prioritize sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. The future of Marana-Golo looks bright, and this event serves as a testament to the power of collective thinking and determination.
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