When one thinks of Paris, most envision the Eiffel Tower. My mind goes immediately to the Arc de Triomphe. The monument is powerful, to be sure, but it’s the significance of the street pattern, the land planning, that awes me.
The brush that painted this image defined a city. The six axis points created a “pattern” of development that superceded the builders. Instead, it offered a puzzle within which the designers/builders/creators were forced to embrace.
This is the beauty of so many old European cities and villages. It’s unique, oddly, because so many American jurisdictions have created rules disallowing such design. Imagine that. That which we embrace in the destinations we travel, is prevented in our own locales.
Pay attention also to the planting schedule that lines the large circle. Again, foresight designed an aesthetic admired by all. An environment cherished by the patrons of the many eateries lining the Place.
And so, regardless of the size of the Place we are creating, take stock of the imagination of those who built this place.
I lived in Paris from age 7 to 18 and have memories of my mom throwing herself in the arena … right priority traffic , so you come and can not hesitate. Then , you get inside the traffic . She was the queen of this intimidating monument. I cam not believe what Christo did with it🙃
Good morning Pascale. I wish to be sitting on the Place enjoying a croissant and espresso.