The Parisian Urban Revolution: A Comedic Commentary
Oh, Paris! The city of love, the Eiffel Tower, and now, a three-story building that’s been given a good old makeover at rue de la Croix Saint-Simon. Sixteen shiny new housing units are popping up like croissants in a baker’s oven! And here we are, four and a half years later, still debating what constitutes a “floor.” But hey, isn’t that part of the charm? We’re not just raising buildings; we’re raising eyebrows!
Now, mark your calendars, folks! On November 20, the elected officials of Paris will congregate for an event that will either be the highlight of their careers or a bureaucratic snooze-fest: the decision regarding the new Paris local urban planning plan (PLU). It’s like the Oscars for urban planners, minus the glitz and glamour, and unfortunately, nobody’s wearing a tuxedo. But don’t worry, the right-wing factions have come prepared with a whopping 170 amendments! Yes, 170! Which leads me to ask — are we making a new plan or just writing a novel on why people hate change?
The united majority—socialists, environmentalists, communists—are all aflutter over what they’re calling an “urban revolution.” Because nothing screams revolution like a bunch of people sitting around drafting documents! Lamia El Aaraje, the new deputy for town planning, stood before an audience of architects and investors, announcing that this PLU will “mark a turning point.” A turning point, indeed! Like turning the corner at the roundabout of bureaucracy—twice!
Now, I have to admire the ambition here. The city is trying to tackle some serious challenges—namely, making more accessible housing while dealing with a changing climate. I mean, who wouldn’t want to live in an “oven” during the summer months? It’s practically a sauna with a view of the Seine! And let’s be honest, by 2050, the climate is going to change so much that we can all expect to be sipping sangrias in a Seville-ish Paris—¿Dónde está la sombra?
It seems that the city’s zoning rules are about as flexible as a French ballet dancer—stretching as far as they can to accommodate housing demands, environmental targets, and of course, the odd wrinkle in the plans whenever someone mentions heritage. Paris is a city that prides itself on its history, and just when you think things are moving along smoothly, someone shouts, “You can’t just slap a new coat of paint on a 17th-century building and call it modern!” But let’s be real, when was the last time anyone turned down a good paint job if it meant more apartments?
So, dear readers, as we hold our breath and await the outcome of this monumental vote, I encourage you to embrace the chaos. Grab your popcorn! Whether it’s a major urban shift or a reenactment of the bureaucratic ballet we’ve all come to adore, one thing’s for sure: The wheels of progress turn slowly—like a Parisian café waiter taking their sweet time with your coffee order. Cherish it because, like a good baguette, you know it’s better fresh, but you might have to wait just a bit longer to savor it!
In conclusion, whilst we may laugh, cry, or shake our fists in the air at the intricacies of urban planning, remember this: a city evolves, and so must its residents. So let’s get ready for an “urban revolution!” Next stop: let’s see how many amendments can turn the wheel of progress—or rather, slow it to a crawl! Bonne chance, Paris!
The ongoing elevation and revitalization of the three-story building located at rue de la Croix Saint-Simon in the 20th arrondissement of Paris has successfully led to the creation of sixteen brand-new housing units, neatly arranged across two levels. This transformative project has garnered attention for its innovative approach to urban living. The significant redevelopment initiative is part of a broader effort by the city to tackle the pressing demand for affordable housing amidst a changing landscape.
The text is major, its development will have taken nearly four and a half years, and it could become one of the most significant acts of Anne Hidalgo’s second term as Paris City Hall. On Wednesday, November 20, the capital’s elected officials must decide on the new Parisian local urban planning plan (PLU), which essentially represents a document that will shape the city’s framework and aesthetics for the next fifteen to twenty years. The outcome of the vote is expected to be predictable, as the opposition on the right has submitted around 170 amendments aimed at criticizing issues such as overdensification, impractical regulations, and threats to the city’s heritage. This also presents an opportunity for them to vocalize their concerns regarding the overarching policy shifts implemented by the current administration.
The united majority (socialist, environmentalist, communist) is delighted with this “urban revolution”. “This PLU will mark a turning point in the design of a city like Paris. It is also widely watched internationally” announced Lamia El Aaraje, the newly appointed deputy for urban planning under the socialist mayor, during a presentation at the Pavillon de l’Arsenal on Thursday, November 14. Speaking before an audience filled with architects, lawyers, and investors, she revealed the final modifications made to the urban planning document. The plan is set to come into effect as soon as the regional prefect confirms its legality, which is anticipated to happen by the end of November.
Everyone knows that the City, to meet its environmental ambitions and its requirement to produce more accessible housing, has pushed legal innovation far, and introduced new notions with which professionals must engage. The revision of Parisian urban rules—a significant undertaking that typically occurs every fifteen to twenty years—has a well-documented reputation for impacting areas well beyond the city’s periphery. The inventive strategies adopted by Paris to compel real estate developers to include residential components in their projects, promote greenery in every aspect, and grant permits solely on the condition that they enhance the existing neighborhood are likely to serve as a model for other cities seeking sustainable development.
The order was clear when in 2020 Ms. Hidalgo, just re-elected, announced the review of construction rules in the capital. Striving to create affordable housing remains a priority, but the urgent need to adapt the city to the realities of global warming is equally pressing. By 2050, the climate of Paris is anticipated to resemble that of Seville today. Without proactive measures, this densely built environment, already grappling with a shortage of green areas, inadequate shading on many facades, and oppressive summer heat in spaces lacking sufficient ventilation, is poised to become increasingly uninhabitable. The future PLU must embody a “bioclimatic” approach, underscored the mayor, as she entrusted this monumental task to Emmanuel Grégoire, her first deputy at the time, overseeing the project until his departure for the National Assembly last June. On Monday, November 18, the day before the Paris Council convenes, the former deputy, having experienced friction with the mayor over the past months, declared his intention to run in the 2026 municipal elections.
