THE SUPER-BLOCK OF TOMORROW: Assessing, Learning and Rethinking

Overview & Synopsis

The Super-Block of Tomorrow project relies on cross-cutting collaborations that need to be tested, explored, and simulated. The goal is to sustain a smart, sustainable, and productive Parc Méridia in the future by optimizing the neighborhood blocks’ microclimate ecosystem in order to generate a cooling island effect (îlot de fraîcheur) in a relatively hot climatic zone. The first step of the study is to assess and analyze one of Parc Méridia’s main blocks. The Arboras-Sud (Cœur de Ville) block was selected as it contains the three main typologies of the neighborhood’s public spaces: the main piazza, inner courtyards, and the tramway-oriented pathway. During this phase, the study relies on the EPA “Plan Guide” to dissect the block’s details and design proposal. The second step focuses on learning about and deepening the understanding of the smart city-block ecosystem and its microclimate parameters. Moreover, trends in futuristic city blocks and the simulation tools to be used were identified. This was achieved through a focus on three main strategies: (i) scientific literature, (ii) interviews, and (iii) public surveys. Finally, in the third and last part of this project, and based on the outcomes of the previous two steps, the focus shifts to rethinking the current design of the Arboras-Sud block by proposing one or multiple scenarios, simulating them, and comparing the results Here is the full experiment report