Concept
The Bay of Algiers is one of the most beautiful bays in the world on a par with Hong Kong, Rio de Janeiro and Istanbul. Today, the city is separated from the sea by the port, industrial zones, train lines and roads and has no seafront leisure activities to offer inhabitants and visitors alike.
The Bay of Algiers project is part of the Strategic Plan of Algiers metropolitan area (SDAAM), valid until 2030, which defines a new ambition for the capital balancing cohesion and attractiveness, development and sustainability, tradition and modernity, with mobility and proximity. It aims to improve the overall image of the city, put an end to uncontrolled urbanisation, liven up the historic centre, and encourage the development of public transport. A number of projects are already underway such as the new Corcat Mosque, the decontamination of the Oued al Harrach, the planning of the Grand Opera, the expansion of the metro line and completion of the road network. The coastal promenade redefines the city’s entire seafront; it is a showcase project helping to give Algiers the international image it deserves.
The coastal territory has 4 contrasting sectors along a 50km strip of varying width, from Cape Caxine to Cape Matifou.
Program
The new city of Algiers will be a garden city. The creation of a green metropolis requires consolidation of the city’s two main areas of vegetation, Baînem Park, to the west, which is undergoing renovation and the agricultural land of Cape Matifou, to the east. This enables the recovery of a large landscaped area in the centre of the bay.
The creation of green windows, opening towards the sea will ensure a natural landscaped continuity with the coast. Around these transversal green lines, planned urbanisation will bring together city and nature, ensuring a quality living environment.
Landscaping has been undertaken along the motorways as part of the policy to embellish and add greenery. Green ‘filters’ have been created to treat rainwater in order to meet the objective of zero waste into the bay.
The creation of a new deep water port allows the relocation of industry away from the city and the consolidation of the coastline allows the development of activities on the seafront. This involves the stabilization of the ribbon of dunes, and cliffs and the restoration of sandy beaches.
Team
Client
– Client: Algiers Wilaya
Project team: Arte Charpentier group
– Architecture – Urban planning – Landscaping: Arte Charpentier Architectes
– Partners: CATRAM Consultants / PHYTORESTORE / PLANETH Consultants / LEM maritime studies lab / Partenaires Développement / B&Bing
Project specifics
– Country: Algeria
– City: Algiers
– Competition winner: January 2007
– Study in progress
– Programme: Planning of the coastal area of the Bay of Algiers
– Surface area: 110m²
