Rouen (France): Modernity reflected by the impressionists and the port’s history

Port cities share a unique identity that distinguishes them from other urban areas. However, each port city leverages its historical roots to craft an individualised identity. To maintain and capitalise on this dual territorial identity, project planners can integrate emblematic port elements like rails, cranes, containers, etc., into urban designs and architectural endeavours. In the case of Rouen, the headquarters of the Métropole Rouen Normandie employed architect Jacques Ferrier to create a memorable riverside structure that was surrounded by iridescent dichroic panels. 

This good practice also includes objective 1.5 (Making resilience and carbon neutrality a priority in the design and operation of City Port installations with the use of the latest technologies in emissions reduction and CO2 capture/storage) of the AIVP’s 2030 Agenda.