Neighborhood Antigone, Neo-classical district in Montpellier, France
Antigone is a residential neighborhood covering roughly 36 hectares, stretching from Montpellier's historic center down to the Lez River. It features monumental buildings with enlarged classical elements and wide boulevards that structure the district's layout.
In 1979, the municipal council approved transforming the former Joffre Barracks into a planned urban district designed by architect Ricardo Bofill. This project marked the beginning of a major urban renewal effort in Montpellier.
Streets and squares bear names from Ancient Greece such as Rue de l'Acropole, Place de Marathon, and Place de Sparte, shaping how residents experience the neighborhood daily. These names connect the district to Mediterranean heritage in a way visitors feel through the urban layout.
Three tramway stops on lines 1 and 4 connect the neighborhood to central Montpellier, making it easy to reach from the city center. Shops and restaurants are spread throughout the area, catering to both residents and visitors.
The neighborhood was designed using mathematical principles of the Golden Ratio, evident in the precise arrangement of streets and buildings throughout the district. This thoughtful proportioning makes the area a striking example of systematic urban planning.
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