Reconciling Metropolises and Countryside: Interview with Charles Ambrosino

The Time of Cities and Territories: Interview

In a recent interview, Charles Ambrosino, a historian and urban planner, discussed the challenges of reconciling metropolises and countryside, outskirts and city centers, and ecology and housing. Ambrosino, who is also a professor at the Institute of Urban Planning and Alpine Geography, shared his insights on how to address these issues in the context of Grenoble, a city in France.

Ambrosino highlighted the importance of reconnecting Grenoble to its geography, particularly its relationship with water. He explained that the history of Grenoble is closely tied to water, with the regular flooding of the Isère and Drac rivers shaping the city’s development. While water represents a risk that needs to be managed through infrastructure like dikes, it also provides a source of electricity. However, as Grenoble has become more urbanized, its landscape characteristics linked to water have become less visible.

Ambrosino emphasized the need to enhance the plain of Grenoble, which may not have the same allure as the surrounding slopes and summits but is the daily landscape for most residents. With the Alps experiencing rapid climatic changes, Grenoble is particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures. Therefore, it is crucial to provide access to water, freshness, and green spaces through sustainable modes of transportation. This is especially important for the southern territories of Grenoble, which have a high concentration of social housing and often lack a close connection to the mountains.

To reintegrate the question of water into the urban fabric, Ambrosino proposed finding the routes of rivers and torrents and incorporating them into the city’s design. This would help connect outlying and disadvantaged neighborhoods with new centralities. The outskirts of Grenoble offer the most potential for transformation, as they have more malleable dykes and large natural spaces that can be developed. Ambrosino cited La Poya Park in Fontaine as an emblematic example of this approach.

The ultimate goal is to overthrow the metropolis on its fringes by making the Isère and Drac rivers real public and landscaped spaces, akin to metropolitan rivers. However, Ambrosino acknowledged that this task is not simple, as water does not adhere to municipal borders. Nevertheless, he believes that part of Grenoble’s future lies in reconnecting with its geography and leveraging its relationship with water.

Ambrosino’s work, “The Geographical Metropolis and Its Town Planning: Grenoble or the (Forgotten) Art of Living in the Plain,” published in the collection of Popsu notebooks, analyzes the impact of public policies on geography and advocates for a reevaluation of the relationship between cities and their surrounding territories.

As Grenoble navigates the challenges of urbanization and ecological transition, Ambrosino’s insights provide valuable guidance on how to create a more sustainable and inclusive city that embraces its geographical context.

How can the implementation of “territorial ecotechniques” help Grenoble create a more sustainable and resilient city?

Ts. He explained that the plain, with its agricultural land and open spaces, plays a crucial role in providing food and ecological services to the city. By integrating agriculture and open spaces into the urban fabric, Grenoble can create a more sustainable and resilient city.

To achieve this, Ambrosino recommended implementing an innovative urban planning approach called “territorial ecotechniques.” This approach involves integrating different ecological functions into the city, such as water management, biodiversity preservation, and sustainable agriculture. By designing the city with these functions in mind, Grenoble can become a more balanced and harmonious place.

Ambrosino also discussed the challenges of housing affordability in Grenoble. He explained that the city’s rapid urbanization has led to rising housing prices, making it increasingly difficult for low-income residents to afford a home. To address this issue, he suggested implementing a mix of social housing, cooperative housing, and mechanisms to regulate housing prices. By diversifying the housing market and implementing affordable housing options, Grenoble can promote social cohesion and ensure that everyone has access to adequate housing.

In addition to housing, Ambrosino emphasized the importance of preserving Grenoble’s historic center. He argued that the city’s historical buildings and urban fabric are not mere relics of the past, but living assets that contribute to the identity and attractiveness of Grenoble. Preserving and revitalizing these areas can help create a sense of place and foster a vibrant urban experience.

Overall, Ambrosino’s insights shed light on the challenges and opportunities of urban planning in Grenoble. By reconnecting with its geography, integrating ecological functions into the city, ensuring housing affordability, and preserving its historic center, Grenoble can become a more sustainable and livable city for all its residents.