The iconic Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Paris, is about to undergo a breathtaking transformation. Gustafson Porter + Bowman, a renowned landscape architecture firm, has won a prestigious competition to revamp the area surrounding this beloved landmark. Their ambitious vision promises to create a haven of green spaces, transforming the Eiffel Tower’s environment into a vibrant and welcoming public space.
A Landmark in Need of Renewal
Every year, 30 million people flock to the Eiffel Tower, making it one of the world’s most visited attractions. However, this popularity has come with a price. Overcrowding, limited accessibility, a lack of services, and congested gardens have negatively impacted the visitor experience. The City of Paris recognized the need for a change and launched a major international competition seeking innovative and sustainable solutions to revitalize this iconic site.
A Vision of Green Harmony
Gustafson Porter + Bowman’s winning proposal aims to create a harmonious blend of history and modernity. The team envisions a central green axis that connects the Place du Trocadéro, the Palais de Chaillot, the Pont d’Iéna, the Champ de Mars, and the Ecole Militaire, showcasing a series of interconnected landscapes.
An amphitheater of greenery will be created at the Place du Trocadéro, offering pedestrians a much-needed respite. The Varsovie fountains will be transformed into a vibrant public space, leading towards the Pont d’Iéna which will be reimagined as a green promenade.
A Symphony of Space and Services
Closer to the Eiffel Tower, a carefully designed forecourt will provide visitors with additional services and facilities discreetly integrated amongst the trees. The raised lawns of the Champ de Mars will elevate the landscape, creating a sense of tranquility and enhancing the views. The entire project emphasizes the human scale, offering spaces for both relaxation and contemplation.
“New perspectives are framed and staged, rebalancing the gravitational pull of the Eiffel Tower and activating a sense of arrival throughout,” explains the design team. This design strives to create a more immersive and engaging experience for visitors, ensuring that the Eiffel Tower remains a truly captivating attraction.
A Legacy for Future Generations
Kathryn Gustafson, founding partner of Gustafson Porter + Bowman, feels deeply connected to this project. “This competition has been especially meaningful to me because I studied in Paris at l’École nationale supérieure de paysage,” she shares. “Every day I passed the Eiffel Tower, on my way to a school where I was immersed in the great historic landscapes of Versailles.” Her passion for preserving and enhancing landscapes is evident in the design.
“The Eiffel Tower reminds me that patrimony means leaving something better for future generations. Our proposal unites a celebration of history with an enhancement of the future,” she adds.
A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
The design masterfully blends two iconic French landscape typologies: the classical French gardens, known for their grand axes and expressions of power, and the picturesque French gardens, renowned for their artistic experimentation. Throughout the entire landscape, green routes and gardens will introduce biodiversity, providing spaces for temporary events and creative endeavors.
The first phase of this ambitious project is scheduled for completion by 2023, with subsequent phases continuing until 2030. This project promises to not only revitalize the Eiffel Tower’s surroundings but also to establish a new standard for sustainable urban design, showcasing the power of landscape architecture to create dynamic and engaging public spaces.
