Forecourt of Saint-André church, Reims

The square in front of Saint-André Church was long occupied by parking, preventing the enjoyment of an open space along the facade. Constrained by frequent flooding and the steps between the church entrance and the public space, the building was inaccessible to people with reduced mobility. With the approval of the Architect of the Buildings of France (ABF), we proposed a public space that gradually ascends from the main avenue, Jean Jaurès, to the church, creating a continuous pathway beneath which rainwater is stored. The landscaping highlights the facade by preserving two large existing trees and planting low-lying vegetation. The ground is paved with natural stone, with grassed joints used in less frequented areas. Gousset Street, which runs alongside the church, remains a parking area on one side and is planted on the other with a rainwater harvesting swale. To the north, Chevrier Square and Guyot Street have been redesigned using the same design language as the church square to create a continuous and cohesive space. The consultation process allowed residents to select seating furniture, play areas and the type of lighting near their homes.