R Urban consists of a growing network of facilities run by the residents themselves. The concept is based on the French social philosopher André Gorz. He calls for people to produce only what they consume and to consume only what they produce. The project is primarily intended to strengthen resilience in cities. An urban agriculture (AgroCité with AnimaLab), a recycling station (RecycLab) and community housing units (EcoHab) form the nodes. While sustainability is about maintaining the status quo, resilience asks about changing and adapting systems. Against the backdrop of climate change, unemployment and housing insecurity, R Urban aims to address social inequality and inequitable access to resources through local and community action. Meeting places, space for engagement and other forms of working are created. Changing lifestyles are having an impact on the city.

Strengthening the resilience of cities by creating a social and ecological network in which no more is produced than is consumed. Changing the city by changing the way of life. Space for encounters, engagement and other forms of work.

The change in lifestyle has an impact on all the existing intersections in the network, on the actors and on the city itself. The concept is constantly evolving and is being continued in other cities (e.g. London, Paris, Gennevilliers). In 2017, the project in Colombes had to come to an abrupt end, as the city government had a car park built on the site. Fortunately, the project found a new home in the neighbouring town of Gennevilliers, but it showed not only the opportunities but also the difficulties and challenges of a temporary transformation of urban spaces.

atelier d’architecture autogérée (aaa): Constantin Petcou and Doina Petrescu