Best practicesCreated on: 2 April 2026

Marseilles (France) Vertical mixity to accommodate urban space requirements

Goal 4.5

Adopting a land management policy that strikes a balance between urban uses and the active port, especially on the waterfront.

Challenge(s)

What innovative solutions exist to strike a balance between the spatial needs of the port and city?

Best Practice

Combining different uses in a single venue can be beneficial for port-city interface areas. One way of doing this is using a vertical building, which requires less space. This rarely seen solution is particularly suited to passenger terminals. Additionally, the mix of urban and port functions is an added attraction for the site, reinforcing its identity and attractiveness to economic stakeholders and the general community. In Marseille, for instance, a shopping centre brought the public back to the waterfront, showcasing port activity while creating a new public space.

This good practice also includes objective 8.3 (Developing public spaces and recreational or cultural amenities in Port City interface zones to create an appealing new area) of the AIVP’s 2030 Agenda.

Case Study

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