Coulée verte de la pénétrante, Linear green space in northern Rennes, France
The Coulée verte de la pénétrante is a linear green corridor running from the northern ring road to the Saint-Martin meadows, guiding people through natural settings. The space functions as a pathway that connects residential neighborhoods through walking and cycling routes.
In the 1960s, officials planned a four-lane expressway through this area, but local opposition led to the cancellation of the project in the early 2000s. The green space exists today where highway construction was once intended.
The green corridor displays contemporary art pieces like a colorful radish sculpture that transforms the space into a place for creative expression. These artistic works encourage visitors to see the pathway as more than just a transit route.
The corridor has multiple entry points along its length, making it easy to access from surrounding neighborhoods and find your way through. The paved and surfaced paths work well for both walkers and cyclists in all seasons.
The green space has an extreme proportion, being roughly 22 times longer than it is wide, which gives it a distinctive shape. In places, you can still spot traces of the original highway project that was planned here.
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