Paris Affordable Housing Challenge Shortlist

Paris Affordable Housing Challenge Shortlist

We are excited to announce that our submission ‘City Building Community Blocks’ has been shortlisted in Bee Breeders’s ‘Paris Affordable Housing Challenge! Congratulations to all entries that were shortlisted. To find all shortlisted submissions head to the Bee Breeder’s website. You can also find more on PWA’s submission in the Think-Tank page.

More than a nested mass of budget “social housing” with compromised amenities, AFFORDABLE HOUSING is achieved over a longer time frame. Affordability should be a holistic, cradle to cradle approach. One that is considerate of the costs of construction, maintenance, access and location. Compromise is not the answer.  Shared resources, sustainable design and strategic location will reduce running costs, and lessen a need for transport.  The result will be equitable housing for all residents.

Less than 30 minutes by bicycle to central Paris, and major universities, is the commune of Champigny. The accessible precinct is separated by the Marne river, but connected via the Bois de Vincennes park to inner city suburbs. Its new rail interchange, currently under construction, will help to reactivate this historic town centre. Affordable housing here can take advantage of its improved connectivity, and further develop this suburb into a town centre for local residents.

On a broader scale, existing freight lines can be activated to form new nodal transport junctions. Together with buses, trams and bike routes, the commune will become highly accessible. Combined with low maintenance affordable properties, it will appeal to residents who aim to settle down for the long run.