Council of Paris approves plans for the greening of the Eiffel Tower Site

The Council of Paris has given final permission to Gustafson Porter + Bowman's landscape design for the Eiffel Tower site (Conseil de Paris). The designs were examined by the mayor as well as the general public through an online survey at the end of last year. The project comprises 35% extra planting, over 200 new trees, and pedestrianization of the Iena bridge. Phase One is planned to be completed in time for the Summer Olympics in 2024.
The 'OnE' design by Gustafson Porter + Bowman offers a single central axis that honors the Eiffel Tower at the focal point between the Palais de Chaillot on Place du Trocadéro and the École Militaire on Place Joffre. This backbone creates a readable landscape of revitalized spaces, including lawn terraces at the Trocadéro, expanded public space at the Varsovie Fountains, the reincarnation of the Pont d'Iéna as a green bridge, the creation of two new squares at either end of the bridge, a planted landscape beneath the Eiffel Tower, and raised lawns for the Champ de Mars.

Points of interest are generated by discovering and staging fresh viewpoints of the tower from which to appreciate the vista. The center axis landscape of power serves to highlight the Tower's sense of perspective from both ends of the site. A second landscape frames this, recalling the French 'picturesque' and its history of gardens as areas of creative experimentation and biodiversity expansion. Again, the human size is prioritized, resulting in spaces for enjoyment and pause that have their own personality. With a diverse mix of ornamental and natural flora, intimate garden areas frame the central axis, enabling temporary events and exhibits.

“We are delighted that the Tour Eiffel “One” project is moving into the first phase of construction. This is an important moment for a major historical site to become more accessible to all people and be more environmental, sustainable and resilient. We have also worked on increasing biodiversity across the site, including modifications to historical lights to meet new standards. We thank the city of Paris for leading the way in their movement to a more sustainable, healthy and liveable city. Bravo Paris.”

Kathryn Gustafson – Gustafson Porter + Bowman