Heart of the block
What is a heart of a block?
The heart of a block is a central space located within a group of buildings, often designed as a breathing space in a dense urban environment. Although discreetly located, this space plays a fundamental role in the quality of life of the area's inhabitants and users.A multifunctional space
A place for relaxation and conviviality
Traditionally, the heart of a block is laid out to accommodate gardens, terraces or shared green spaces. These areas are designed to encourage social interaction between residents, providing an ideal setting for relaxing or organizing community activities.Improving environmental quality
In addition to its social role, the heart of a block also contributes to the environmental balance of a neighborhood. By incorporating planting, it helps to reduce urban heat islands, improve air quality and manage rainwater.An example from the Bordeaux-Bastide district
As part of a terrace development project in Bordeaux's Bastide district, the heart of the block was redesigned to become a dynamic central space. This space combines functionality and aesthetics, offering residents a welcoming, green communal space. Local plantings have been introduced to enhance biodiversity and meet the neighborhood's environmental challenges.Development challenges
Optimizing space
The heart of a block is often a highly constrained space. The architect must juggle the needs of residents, the management of nuisance (acoustic or visual) and the enhancement of this limited space.Enhancing heritage
In historic districts such as Bordeaux-Bastide, the cœur d'îlot makes it possible both to preserve the architectural identity of the site while adapting it to modern expectations, particularly in terms of sustainability.The “cœur d'îlot” is much more than just a central space: it's an oasis within urban planning, a meeting place, an environmental regulator and a showcase for architecture that cares for people and nature. Integrated into projects such as this "échoppe" at Bordeaux, it illustrates the potential of these spaces to meet social, aesthetic and ecological challenges.