The pavilion, a habitat desired by most French people, but often criticized. Just over a quarter (27%) of families in Ile-de-France live in a pavilion. The latter, however, is constantly challenged by the climate and resilience law, with the aim of zero net artificialisation. Emmanuelle Wargon, former Minister of Housing, had also described “ecological nonsense» individual homes. “Residential construction is often contrary to the preservation of urban biodiversity.», summarizes Aliénor Heil-Selimanovski, specialized in architecture and urban planning at the Institut Paris Région, the urban planning agency of the Île-de-France, who participated in a study published Thursday on the suburban area of the Paris region.
The trend is towards the demolition of houses to construct buildings and limit urban expansion. On average, for example, in the Hauts-de-Seine, 7 housing units are created for every house destroyed. Every year no fewer than 6,000 collective housing units are built on individual housing sites in the Île-de-France. Is the pavilion destined to disappear? In any case it will be”led to evolve, to change. It is a matter of concern, of controversy», predicts Jean-Philippe Dugoin-Clément, vice-president of the Île-de-France region, responsible for Construction.
20% of pavilions occupied by a single person
Damien Delaville, an urban planner who participated in the study on suburban housing in the Ile-de-France region, observes “There has been a decline in densification for two or three years. Municipalities are going a little backwards, slowing down the potential for densification. They preserve rarer habitats. Perverse effects have been observed due to the disappearance of the pavilions such as difficulties in water supply and saturated networks“. There are simple solutions to avoid excessive density while preserving the pavilions: “We can gain 30% of habitable space without changing the physical aspect of urban planning, working on the urban continuity of the streets, on empty spaces by raising buildings, without resorting to harsh reconstruction», suggests Jean-Philippe Dugoin-Clément. A sort of overlapping individual habitat that could constitute the city of tomorrow.
Another way to avoid urban sprawl: “encourage intergenerational housing, shared accommodation and coliving , support the change of use to combat under-occupation of housing», recommends Aliénor Heil-Selimanovski. Especially if we know that 20% of the pavilions in the Île-de-France are occupied by a single person. Jean-Philippe Dugoin-Clément also highlights the fact that pavilions are often created”over time, in an informal, uncoordinated way».
Intermediate forms of habitat
To help communities rethink a strategy, the Paris Region Institute has classified pavilions into five categories, including immovable housing that obeys collective management rules, such as co-ownership, which can block the evolution of the fabric urban. This is particularly a form of housing where new buyers are very present and may have more limited financial capacity, which prevents them from rethinking the building. This type of housing represents 52% of individual homes in the Ile-de-France region. Another category: run-down, often old housing, with numerous rental homes often run by slum landlords, weakening some sectors with overused and overoccupied buildings. Historic homes with properties listed or of historic interest (see stone houses, artists’ studios, etc.) are more protected due to their rarity.
Two other forms of housing were listed: reinvested housing which refers to old pavilions that have been renovated or have had extensions such as verandas or elevations, adapted to new uses such as shared accommodation or coliving and finally the densified housing, a new construction that takes place for example in hollow teeth or through plot divisions. The risk induced by new uses such as shared accommodation and coliving is that of losing the individual home”its function of welcoming couples with children“, as the study indicates, thus displacing families and sending them to the fringes of the Île-de-France or even further away.
The aim of the study is also to go beyond a very limited conception of an ideal individual home and a less desirable collective home, because it involves sharing spaces and reducing the exteriors. Divisions are possible that allow the creation of smaller, adjacent or overlapping collective accommodation, all with large outdoor spaces.
How can urban planners incorporate biodiversity in the evolution of suburban housing?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Aliénor Heil-Selimanovski
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Aliénor Heil-Selimanovski! It’s a pleasure to have you here today. Your recent study on suburban housing in the Île-de-France has sparked quite a conversation. Let’s dive right in. The pavilion is a beloved yet controversial housing type in France. Can you explain why it’s facing such criticism?
Aliénor Heil-Selimanovski: Thank you for having me! Yes, pavilions hold a special place in the hearts of many French people, but they are increasingly at odds with modern ecological goals. With the emphasis on zero net artificialization and urban biodiversity, individual homes often contribute to urban sprawl and compromise our green spaces. This clash is where the criticism arises; we need to rethink how we build and live.
Time.news Editor: That makes sense. You mentioned the challenge of residential construction harming urban biodiversity. How does this impact the greater goal of sustainable urban development in the region?
Aliénor Heil-Selimanovski: It significantly hampers our ability to create sustainable urban environments. When we prioritize individual homes, we often overlook opportunities for collective development that can enhance public spaces and infrastructure. The more we develop the suburbs with pavilions, the more we sacrifice potential green spaces and biodiversity, which are crucial for our urban ecosystems.
Time.news Editor: Fascinating. Jean-Philippe Dugoin-Clément, a vice-president of the Île-de-France region, noted that the pavilion is destined to evolve or change. What might that evolution look like?
Aliénor Heil-Selimanovski: We’re already seeing a shift towards higher density living with buildings replacing individual houses. As more families seek housing in urban centers, we must adapt pavilions to accommodate this trend. This could mean creating additional living space within existing structures or transforming pavilions into mixed-use developments. It’s about finding that balance between preserving the essence of these homes and meeting modern housing needs.
Time.news Editor: You also touched on the notion of under-occupation, especially considering that 20% of pavilions are occupied by a single person. What solutions do you foresee to address this issue?
Aliénor Heil-Selimanovski: One promising approach is to encourage intergenerational housing or communal living arrangements. Shared accommodations like coliving can optimize space utilization and foster community. This way, we can combat under-occupation while promoting social interaction among residents. Moreover, policy adjustments to convert these pavilions into multi-family units can lead to greater efficiency in land use.
Time.news Editor: That’s an interesting take! You mentioned a classification of pavilions into five categories to help communities rethink their strategies. Can you tell us more about this?
Aliénor Heil-Selimanovski: Certainly! By categorizing pavilions, we can better understand their social and urban contexts. For instance, some may align with collective management rules, while others might be strictly individualistic. This classification allows us to identify specific interventions tailored to each type, promoting suitably evolved housing strategies that respect both heritage while adapting to modern needs.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like we’re entering a crucial time for suburban planning in Île-de-France. As we move forward, what do you see as the most essential steps that need to be taken?
Aliénor Heil-Selimanovski: First, we must foster a dialogue between local governments, urban planners, and residents to create inclusive and sustainable strategies. Next, supporting innovative housing models that prioritize both density and public spaces is critical. we need to emphasize public awareness around these issues to encourage community involvement in shaping the urban landscape moving forward. Only with collective effort can we evolve successfully.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Aliénor, for sharing your insights! Your perspectives are vital as we navigate the complexities of housing and urban development. It’s clear there’s much work ahead in reconciling cherished traditions with contemporary demands.
Aliénor Heil-Selimanovski: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for urban planning, and I hope to see our cities evolve to meet both our ecological and social needs.