La Grande Borne, Housing estate in Grigny, France
La Grande Borne is a housing development in Grigny, located in the Essonne department, that extends partly into Viry-Châtillon and consists of multistory buildings with curved facades in different colors. The complex organizes itself around courtyards and pedestrian walkways that form a connected space between the winding structures and shape the urban landscape.
Architect Émile Aillaud designed the complex in 1967 to address housing shortages in the Paris region and commissioned construction of around 4000 apartments. The building phase ended in the mid-1970s and shaped the development of the southern suburbs of Paris during that period.
The project takes its name from an archaeological site in France, connecting the development to the region's past. Interior spaces between buildings carry ancient names from Greek myths, creating a particular connection to classical stories as residents walk through the neighborhood.
The housing development is located about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) south of Paris and can be reached by public transport, with daytime visits offering the best opportunity to get an impression. Pedestrians can explore the winding paths and open courtyards but should respect the privacy of residents.
The facades carry large mosaics and abstract patterns that give the buildings an artistic appearance. These colored design elements were originally intended to reinforce the impression of an open and friendly living environment.
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