There is a perception that architecture is the science of wasting space. What do you think?
Marseille is an ancient city with a history of 2600 years. At the same time, you can see not only historical neighborhoods, but also beautiful examples from modern times. The 21st century is gradually blending into the fabric of the old city, not in the middle of history, but rather in the background. But no, not quite like that. The 21st century is building its history here, overlapping the vestiges of the 19th and early 20th century, which in turn fulfilled their purpose at the right time.
Port infrastructure, factories, plants, factories, work camps, hangars, docks, warehouses… The vast areas and construction anarchy that reigned here were to disappear from the face of the earth in an instant, giving way to something else. The end of the 20th century defined Marseille’s course in terms of the reorganization of urban spaces and new urbanism.
Marseille, being the oldest city in France, felt the need for change and wanted to introduce new urban solutions, and in the 20th century turned its attention to the creations of modern architects. Wanting to keep up with the times, the city set itself the task of renovating entire neighborhoods, building new housing, as well as being able to combine modernity and history. The best of the architects have been able to work here and continue to work and realize their ideas. Museums, office buildings, residential buildings, municipal buildings, renovation and restoration of monuments….. these are some of the things that have been realized in Marseille.
We will go from the old to the new and see how modern objects find their place alongside historical monuments. What tasks modern architects set themselves and what tasks the client puts forward to them. What are the new approaches to building the urban environment. Where architects draw ideas from and how these new ideas tell us a new history of the city.
The main stages of the tour:
- Mucem – the building of the Museum of Mediterranean Civilizations (architect Rudi Ricciotti);
- Villa Méditerranée – Mediterranean Ambasade (architect Stefano Boeri);
- FRAC – building of the Foundation for Contemporary Art (architect Kengo Kuma);
- CMA CGM – corporate headquarters (architect Zaha Hadid);
- La Marseillaise – Marseillaise office building (architect Jean Nouvel);
- Les Docks – 19th century dock building;
- Fort St. John – 17th century.
This tour can be extended in time by adding other monuments, such as Le Corbusier’s residential unit. The tour starts at the harbor waterfront at Fort St. John.
Duration: 2 hours on foot
Period: All year round
Tour days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
Transfer:
If necessary, we can organize a transfer to the starting point of the tour
Cost:
- 2 hours on foot for a group of 1-9 people 150€;
- 2 hours on foot for group 10-19 people 200€ (with headphones);
- 2 hours on foot for groups 20-30 people 250€ (with headphones).