The Arches, The Arceaux district in Montpellier is highly representative of the quality of life that reigns in the suburbs close to the historic city center. Its market, its shops, its cafes, its architectural heritage and its schools make it an ideal space for the development of children. The only downside: it is an unclear public space that poorly delimits motorized travel from soft mobility with, in its center, a gigantic open-air car park.
© TimeBox Prod
The renovation of the public space, proposed by the Base landscape agency, responds to this problem by associating the theme of “the city at child height” in order to connect the city center to the Arceaux district.
© TimeBox Prod
As a prefiguration of these developments, the Collectif Parenthèse is offering a temporary entertainment space to allow a gradual transformation of public spaces by giving pride of place to children: a class “outside the walls” with a bleacher and two large tables on the forecourt of the Chaptal and Jeanne d’Arc schools, swings, a motor skills course for the little ones, a dancing mirror, a misting area, a mini pétanque or molky court and large picnic tables.
© TimeBox Prod
In order to respect the logic of circular economy, these modules are mountable/dismountable, storable and reusable. They will then be able to integrate outdoor events, and festivals, or even be collected from schoolyards. A big thank you to the Métropole de Montpellier and the SA3M, to FZR Sethi for his magnificent fresco on the ground along the installations, and to the collective Ne Rougissez Pas for the graphics of the triangle panels in consultation with the educational community and co-created with the children from Chaptal and Joan of Arc schools.
Project Info
Architects: Collectif Parenthèse
Country: France, Montpellier
Area: 1500 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: TimeBox Prod
Category: Public Space, Temporary Installations, Renovation
Design Office: Collectif Parenthèse
Sponsors: Base Paysage / Métropole de Montpellier
Anastasia Andreieva is an accomplished Architectural Projects Editor at Arch2O, bringing a unique blend of linguistic expertise and design enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in Ukraine, she holds a Master’s degree in Languages from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her deep passion for architecture and visual storytelling led her to transition from translation and editorial roles into the world of design media. With a keen eye for conceptual clarity and narrative structure, Anastasia curates and presents global architectural projects with precision and flair. She is particularly drawn to parametric and digital design, cultural context, and emerging voices in architecture. When I’m not analyzing the latest architectural trends, you’ll probably find me searching for hidden gems in cityscapes or appreciating the beauty of well-crafted spaces. After all, great design—like great connections—can be found in the most unexpected places. Speaking of connections, because architecture isn’t the only thing that brings people together.