Oasis playground for the Maryse Hilsz school

adaptation consultation-participation nature in the city greening space management resilient city Green Solutions Awards Green Solutions Awards 2022 2023

2677
Last modified by the author on 09/02/2023 - 15:23

Year of commitment : 2020
Address 1 - street : 18-20 rue Maryse Hilsz 75020 PARIS, France
Water cycle : Rain water, Collection
Biodiversity & Ecosystems : / Green and blue corridor, Ground recovery, Environment education /

805 935 €

GENERAL INFORMATION

This project won the Sustainable Infrastructure Grand Prize of the Green Solutions Awards France 2022-2023 in a tie with the reconversion of the Seveso “de La Barillais” wasteland into an eco-park and a mention at the international level.

The two vast courtyards of the Maryse Hilsz school group, partly planted with trees, already had a small strip of open ground inaccessible to children. The Oasis transformations made it possible to work on the topography of the place with the creation of relief in the form of high mounds of earth supported by gabions. Modeled to accommodate paths, balance courses, climbing and sliding games, these mounds are also planted with perennials and herbaceous plants, contributing to the effect of plant density. The natural and vegetated areas have therefore been enlarged and shaped to create a variety of sub-spaces that can be appropriated by everyone.

The two courtyards, formerly separated by a linear fence, now have a more flexible limit, materialized only by a river on the ground. The water that flows there comes from the roof of the sanitary facilities and the wall fountains and ends up in a soakaway pit which drains the water towards the planted areas.

Progress Status

Delivered

Data Reliability

Self-declared

Funding Type

Public

Website Enterprise / Infrastructure

https://www.observatoire-oasis.fr/groupe-scolaire-maryse-hilsz/

Sustainable Development

Attractiveness :

The students of the school participated in the design of the project. They imagined their future playground during workshops. They were also able to take part in the realization of the project with a participatory building site for the construction of an amphitheater using recycled materials. And they are now associated with the daily management of space and the maintenance of plants.

Well Being :

The revegetation, the provision of freshness and the revival of recreational facilities have completely transformed the pupils' recreation times. Their motor skills and fine motor skills as well as risk taking are encouraged. They discover new times of exploration and experimentation in autonomy, with a renewed interest in the nature that surrounds them. These new spaces are also the support for the development of imagination and inventiveness. The benefits of being close to nature are also numerous: calming, better concentration, reduced anxiety, increased empathy, etc.

Social Cohesion :

The proposal of a rich and varied space made it possible to reduce the number of conflicts in the yard and to promote non-gendered games. Children are occupied and better distributed in space. Gathering places (tiers, huts, etc.) also promote socialization and exchange.

In the event of a major climatic event and strong heat, the courtyard may be open in the evening for the reception of vulnerable populations. It has already experimented with opening times to the public on certain Saturdays.

Preservation / Environmental Improvement :

The previously inert and completely asphalted soils have regained a natural character with mulched open ground. The tree bases were re-networked using continuous pits. The brown frame has thus been recreated. The planting of large areas also allows a reinforcement of biodiversity by consolidating the existing green fabric. In a dynamic of recovery and preservation of water resources, rainwater from the courtyard is all infiltrated into the plot for zero discharge into the network, in planted areas or through buried drains.

Resilience :

The renaturation of this space, in particular with plants that are almost self-sufficient in water, makes it a resilient and resistant space in the face of climate change. Evapospiration will bring freshness to the place. Every year, the courtyard strengthens its ability to fight against urban heat islands thanks to the use of light, fresh and natural materials. The installation of a new ecosystem is possible with the restored brown frame and the strong presence of plants.

By bringing children closer to nature from an early age, this development also makes it possible to make them more engaged citizens and more aware of the difficulties that await them.

Responsible use of resources :

The slopes of the impermeable surfaces are directed towards the planted areas in order to supply them with rainwater and limit the use of drinking water.

A prototype of an amphitheater in reused materials was made in a participative construction site.

Testimony / Feedback

The director of the elementary school bears witness to the change in usage in the yard.

The students talk about their involvement in the design of the project.

Governance

City of Paris

Holder Type : Local Authority

This project was carried out within the framework of a European call for projects, the FEDER UIA . Governance was therefore organized with the entire consortium of partners.

Sustainable Solutions

Co-design with users

Description :

Associating the pupils of the school and the entire educational team has made it possible to ensure a project that is adapted and appropriated by future users. The involvement of the whole school in favor of the playground transformation project was also necessary for the success of new uses.