The citadel was built at the end of the 16th century. and was used for its intended purpose - to house a garrison - until the end of the last century. When the military left its complex, the city authorities decided to give it to the local university. Now it should accommodate 8,000 students, but the goal of the transformations is also to open the fortress to the city, in its use by all residents, and not just members of the university community. Therefore, the winner of the competition was Piano, who paid special attention to the problem of connecting the citadel with the surrounding quarters, and not his rivals Jean Nouvel and Dominique Perrot.
It is planned to preserve the historical buildings - the residence of the manager, barracks and stables (as well as the fortifications themselves), while the rest of the territory (in total - 13 hectares) will have educational buildings, a library and a series of public spaces. The streams of people in the citadel will structure the green zones and red “landmarks” blocks. The former parade ground will become a key campus site, a space for meetings, exchange of ideas and communication.
The project budget is 163 million euros.
N. F.
